Cash from council recycling scheme given to neonatal charity

A cheque was presented to Sands, the stillbirth and neonatal death charity, by Councillor Stewart Swinburn and members of North East Lincolnshire Council staff.

The money will go towards supporting local families affected by the death of a baby and funding research to reduce the number of baby deaths nationwide.

Cllr Swinburn, cabinet member for Environment, said: “We understand how hard it can be for families who have tragically lost a child.

“Sands is a very emotional charity and this donation will go towards providing support for local families going through something no parent would ever want to experience.

“This scheme is a great way of giving something back to those in need, while also helping the environment by recycling sensitive materials.”

“We’re pleased to be one of the local authorities offering this kind of donation, and proud of the good it does for the community.”

Sands is based in Cleethorpes, and is run by volunteers who have experienced the loss of a baby.

Katy Mundford, chair of Grimsby and Cleethorpes Sands, said: “Fifteen babies a day each die in the UK before, during or shortly after birth, which is devastating for families.  We want to help those families get the support and care they need.”

“Our local group in Grimsby provides a monthly support group for anybody affected by the death of a baby. This money will help to ensure we can continue this work.

“We’re extremely grateful for the donation which will help our campaign to reduce the number of baby deaths in the UK.”

The stillbirth and neonatal death charity trains midwives, doctors and other professionals to provide care for bereaved parents.

Money raised for the donation came from the sale of recyclable materials which are salvaged following cremation.

Relatives of the deceased give their consent before the cremation and collection of metals goes ahead.

Proceeds from the sale of recyclable metals have been awarded to charity every year since 2014, with a cheque handover taking place every few months.