The leading owner and operator of crematoria and cemeteries in the UK, Bristol based Westerleigh Group, has donated £23,072 to North Bristol NHS Trust, through Southmead Hospital in its fight against COVID-19.
The donation will support the hospital’s COVID-19 Appeal, helping patients and staff across North Bristol NHS Trust (NBT) who are at the forefront of battling the pandemic in the South West.
The appeal will fund care packages for NBT staff, support with the purchase of mobile technology to ensure patients can be in contact with friends and family, as well as fund activities for learning disability patients.
Westerleigh Group, who operate 34 crematoria across the UK, has given more than £200,000 to support charities across the UK in 2019-2020, including this support for the NHS near to its headquarters in Bristol.
Roger Mclaughlan, CEO of Westerleigh Group, said: “We are delighted to support such a good cause to help them through these incredibly tough times. Our mission at Westerleigh is to deliver exceptional care, which is what NHS staff are doing across the country right now.
“Southmead is doing a fantastic job and all of their staff are heroes. We are proud to have them as our local hospital and we are honoured to play a small part in helping them during this challenging time.”
Sarah Harrison, Director of Southmead Hospital Charity, the official charity for North Bristol NHS Trust, said: “We are extremely grateful for this generous donation from the Westerleigh Group to our Coronavirus Appeal to support the incredible staff here at North Bristol NHS Trust.
“We have been overwhelmed by the response from local businesses like the Westerleigh Group whose donations enable us to continue our work in supporting patients and staff at the forefront of fighting Coronavirus.
“We know how much support like this is appreciated by all our staff at our hospitals, who are working so hard at this difficult time. Thank you.”
Since 2009, Westerleigh Group has donated funds raised from its metal recycling scheme to charities and has donated close to £1million to charities throughout the UK since the initiative launched.