Crematorium donates £10,000 to Freddie's Wish

The donation comes from the proceeds of recycling metal and orthopaedic implants following cremation.

Rainsbrook joined the Institute of Cemetery and Crematorium Management's national Recycling of Materials scheme when the crematorium opened 11 years ago.

Rainsbrook asks all bereaved families to consider donating the metal to the scheme - but only sends it for recycling with the blessing of the next of kin.

The crematorium has decided to donate the proceeds from recycling to Freddie's Wish, a charity founded by Rugby mum Charlotte Jolliffe 11 years ago after losing her son Freddie in a car accident when he was aged just 13-months-old.

Since its launch, Freddie's Wish has raised more than £320,000 to help deliver bereavement support to parents who have lost a child and paediatric first aid courses to people who care for children.

Charlotte said: "We are blown away by the generosity of the donation from Rainsbrook Crematorium and we want to thank them and all the wonderful families that have supported the recycling scheme to enable this donation to be possible.

"This donation will make a huge difference to a small charity like ours by enabling us to continue providing invaluable counselling support to parents who have lost a baby or child and helping them to navigate their life after loss."

The Mayor of Rugby, Cllr Barbara Brown, joined Cllr Andrew Last, West Northamptonshire Council cabinet member for HR, corporate and regulatory services, at the cheque presentation.

Cllr Brown said: "The crematorium can only recycle the metal and orthopaedic implants thanks to the kindness of the next of kin, so I hope the bereaved relatives can take a degree of comfort from the fact the money raised has gone to such a wonderful charity as Freddie's Wish."

Rainsbrook Crematorium was built by Rugby Borough Council and the then Daventry District Council, and opened in the spring of 2014.

Daventry District Council became part of the new West Northamptonshire Council when it was formed in 2021.

Cllr Last said: "I am proud that Rainsbrook Crematorium continues to support charities that make a real difference locally.

"Freddie's Wish provides invaluable help to families during the most difficult times, and this donation reflects our commitment to giving back to the community."

For more information about Freddie's Wish, visit www.freddieswish.org 

For more information on Rainsbrook Crematorium, visit www.rainsbrookcrematorium.co.uk