Treswithian Downs Crem raises £2k for Young Lives vs Cancer

Treswithian Downs Crematorium has presented Young Lives vs Cancer, a charity that helps children and young people with cancer get the right support, with a cheque for £2k. 

Part of Westerleigh Group, the crematorium’s donation came from its metal recycling scheme. 

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.

Kathy Green, manager of Treswithian Downs Crematorium, said: “This money will provide 50 stays for families from across Cornwall whose children require cancer treatment in Bristol.

“Having previously worked within paediatric services in the NHS, I know how vital it is to keep families together when a child or young person is undergoing treatment, not only for the child or young person themselves, but for the whole family unit.”

She added: “My team and I are so pleased to be able to support a charity which makes such a positive difference to the lives of local families. We are already planning our next event to raise further funds for Young Lives vs Cancer which will enable even more stays for local families.”

Katherine Sawyer, fundraising and engagement manager at Young Lives vs Cancer Devon, Cornwall and Somerset, said: “We are so grateful to Treswithian Downs Crematorium and Westerleigh Group for this very generous donation. 

“This money will be spent at our Home from Home in Bristol, which provides free accommodation to families from Cornwall when they need to access cancer treatment for their children.”

She added: “A cancer diagnosis is, of course, incredibly difficult for any family but for those living in Cornwall, this is made even more difficult when they face the daunting prospect of having to spend extended periods of time many miles from home.”