A HOSPICE has been handed a welcome cash boost from caring staff at a crematorium.

The £12,000 windfall for Accord Hospice, in Paisley, was delivered by The Hurlet Crematorium, in Barrhead.

Funds were raised through the business' membership of the Institute of Cemetery and Crematorium Management National Recycling of Metals Scheme, which sensitively recovers metals and orthopaedic implants following cremation with the consent of bereaved families.

The donation was presented to Jacki Smart, CEO of Accord Hospice, at the new state-of-the-art crematorium located within the Hurlet Hills.

David McNaughton, manager of the Hurlet Crematorium, said: "As professionals assisting the bereaved, we recognise the financial challenges that organisations supporting families at their most difficult and vulnerable time face. 

"The funds raised through this recycling scheme donation will directly benefit the hospice and the families it supports when they are facing a difficult time through bereavement. 

"Our heartfelt thanks go to each and every family who consented to take part in the national scheme, without whom life-changing donations such as the one we are making today would not be possible."

Jacki Smart added: "Thank you so much to everyone at The Hurlet Crematorium for supporting the hospice.

"This donation will make a huge difference to Accord in what has been a very challenging few years for everyone. 

"At Accord we understand the enormous emotional impact of the loss of a loved one. Many thanks to the generous individuals who consented to participate in the scheme and thought of others and of course to the staff at the crematorium for thinking of Accord.

"We are very much looking forward to working in partnership in the coming months and years, with many potential ways we can support the families before and after the death of a loved one."

David went on to reveal that since its inception in 2006, the Institute's national recycling of metals initiative has raised over £17.4 million.

He added: "It gives great comfort for those who have contributed to the scheme to know that the money raised is used to support charities like ACCORD Hospice in the delivery of incredibly important and sensitive end-of-life care. 

"Like Accord Hospice, we are absolutely committed to providing the very highest levels of care and compassion for families when they need support most, and we are incredibly proud to be in a position to make this donation."