West Wiltshire Crematorium recently held a forget-me-not walk and coffee morning fundraiser in aid of Grief Encounter and the important work they do.

One child in every UK classroom will experience the death of someone close by the time they reach 16 years old. Grief Encounter provide support for bereaved children and young people, offering a lifeline with free, immediate, one-to-one support.

West Wiltshire Crematorium is part of Westerleigh Group, the UK’s largest owner and operator of crematoria and cemeteries, with 36 sites in England, Scotland, and Wales, all set within beautifully landscaped gardens of remembrance which provide pleasant, peaceful places for people to visit and reflect. 

Louise Belsey, site manager at West Wiltshire Crematorium said: “I wanted to hold a fundraiser for Grief Encounter as they provide an invaluable service.

“We have seen how difficult and confusing loss can be for children and how vital support is in helping them to understand and lessen their grief.

“So, when Grief Encounter reached out to us we immediately wanted to help. Whilst on the walk the group planted forget-me-not seeds in memory of a loved one.

“Everyone who took part signed up for a £5 minimum donation, we then raised a further £50 on the day through additional donations. We are pleased that this sum of money can now make a difference to a bereaved child, such as giving them an opportunity of a one to one counselling session with a professionally trained therapist.

“We provided tea and cakes in the chapel before and after the short walk. This was designed to ensure the event was as inclusive as possible.”

The staff at West Wiltshire Crematorium intend to continue to support Grief Encounter and hope this is the start of an ongoing relationship. Everyone who took part in the walk was provided with a sign-up pack including a beanie hat and seeds to plant on the walk.

If you would like to find out more about West Wiltshire Crematorium or discuss ways in which you can help the crematorium raise funds for Grief Encounter, please visit www.westwiltshirecrem.co.uk