Council donate £4,337 to Sue Ryder Charity

South Ayrshire Council has donated £4,337 to national healthcare charity Sue Ryder.

The cheque was made possible thanks to the generosity of bereaved families who allowed metal implants to be recovered and then recycled following cremations at Masonhill Crematorium.

The Council is a member of the UK Crematoria recycling metals scheme, which means that with the permission of the deceased person's family, any leftover metals can be recycled and the money used to help good causes in Ayrshire.

Since the early 1950's Sue Ryder has supported people with life-threatening illnesses across the UK. The charity offers practical care and emotional support for patients and loved ones at the most difficult time of their lives.

South Ayrshire Provost Helen Moonie handed the cheque over to Michelle Redmond, from Sue Ryder on behalf of the Council. Provost Moonie said:

"Sue Ryder provides a lifeline to families across South Ayrshire. Coming to terms with a severe neurological condition can be extremely daunting not just for the patient but for their families too. Sue Ryder nurses are experts in treating all manner of conditions but perhaps more importantly they focus on the person and not the illness."

Councillor John McDowall, Sustainability and Environment Portfolio Holder for South Ayrshire Council said:

"I would like to thank bereaved families for allowing us to be in a position to help Sue Ryder and other charities. I am sure loved ones that have given permission for recycling to take place are glad the funds will be used to bring comfort and help to others in their time of need."

Michelle Redmond, Sue Ryder Retail Area Manager, Scotland said:

"I am delighted to accept this generous cheque via this innovative scheme; thank you to everyone for their support.

"At Sue Ryder we treat more conditions than any other UK charity in our hospices, neurological care centres and out in the community. We provide 2.7 million hours of care to thousands of people and need to raise over £14 million every year. Having support like this will go a long way to helping us achieve this target."