Westerleigh Cemetery & Crematorium has donated £1,000 to Diabetes Research UK in support of a local family’s own fundraising efforts after their son died from the disease.

Liam Scarman was 22-years-old when he passed away on Boxing Day 2017 as a result of Type 1 Diabetes. His ashes are interred at Westerleigh Crematorium.

Since his death, his parents, Trevor and Sue, have dedicated their lives to raising money for Diabetes Research UK and their total so far is some £15,500.

The team at Westerleigh Cemetery & Crematorium supported Trevor and Sue in creating Liam’s memorial within the grounds and were aware of their fund-raising efforts – and wanted to help.

The donation came from the crematorium’s metal recycling fund.

With the consent of families, metals recovered during cremation are recycled, and any money raised is used to support selected charities, local activities and environmental initiatives which benefit the communities that the crematorium serves.

Westerleigh Cemetery & Crematorium is part of Westerleigh Group, one of the UK’s largest independent owners and operators of crematoria and cemeteries, with 40 sites in England, Scotland, and Wales, all set within beautifully landscaped gardens of remembrance which provide peaceful places for people to visit and reflect.

Trevor said: “Since Liam passed away in his sleep, we have raised money through activities such as charity days at his local pub, collection tins, someone running a half-marathon, two others taking part in ‘dry January’ and others.

“We are fighting for a world where diabetes can do no harm, and we believe that, with such generous donations from companies such as the money from Westerleigh Crematorium, research can help eradicate Diabetes Type 1 and 2.”

Trevor and Sue visited Westerleigh Cemetery & Crematorium to accept the cheque on behalf of Diabetes Research UK from the crematorium manager, Shaun Chapman-Young.

Shaun said: “We knew about the amazing fund-raising Trevor and Sue have done over the past few years, and wanted to do something to support them, in memory of Liam.

“Their wish to see the world rid of diabetes is one which, with research, may well happen and it’s an honour for us to be able to make a small contribution towards that very worthy cause.”

For more information about Westerleigh Cemetery & Crematorium, as well as the exceptional care and support it provides to the bereaved in creating uniquely personal funerals and memorials for their loved ones, visit www.westerleighcrem.co.uk