13 July 2023

Havant colleagues give £12,000 to beloved charities

A total of £12,000 has been donated to two charities thanks to a Havant crematorium and the generosity of bereaved loved ones.

The donations are thanks to the kindness of families who have funerals at The Oaks Havant Crematorium and agree for any metals which remain after cremation to be recycled.

Target Ovarian Cancer and Hampshire & Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust were chosen by colleagues at the crematorium to receive the money as both of them hold a very special place in their hearts.

Team member Pam Dart wants to raise awareness of ovarian cancer after she lost her older sister Tessa to the disease 10 years ago.

Pam said: "This cancer took away my eldest sister, aged 60. She was a proper ‘old school' district nurse for over 35 years. The doctors wouldn't take her seriously so by the time she was diagnosed, she had stage four cancer and passed away within 18 months.

"I want to make sure that doctors are aware of the symptoms which are often similar to other ailments and therefore, overlooked."

Target Ovarian Cancer is committed to fighting for a world where everyone with ovarian cancer lives, targeting what's important - symptoms awareness, early diagnosis, better treatments, and support for all.

The charity's work includes providing training and educational resources to GPs to help improve diagnosis pathways, and increasing the public's awareness of ovarian cancer and the four key symptoms; persistent bloating, abdominal pain, feeling full quickly and needing to wee more often.

Lauren Josman, Head of Philanthropy and Partnerships at Target Ovarian Cancer said: "If diagnosed with ovarian cancer at the earliest stage, 9 in 10 women will survive. Sadly, we hear stories like Tessa's all too often but we know that no GP wants to miss a diagnosis of ovarian cancer. This generous donation will help us continue to provide vital training and educational resources to healthcare professionals which increase knowledge around ovarian cancer and help diagnose ovarian cancer faster. On behalf of everyone at Target Ovarian Cancer, we'd like to express our heartfelt thanks."

Hampshire & Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust will also receive £6,000 funding and have a long standing relationship with the crematorium after working with the team to make its surroundings more wildlife friendly since it opened nearly a decade ago.

Set in 14 acres providing a picturesque setting and a space for all cultures, ages and beliefs, the crematorium has also been designated as a Site of Importance for Nature Conservation.

The grounds are now home to the most diverse range of mammals and invertebrates since the site opened in 2013.

Hampshire & Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust's Fundraising Assistant, Lauren​ Tibbetts, said: "We are currently facing a nature and climate emergency, meaning that it is crucial that we work to protect vulnerable species and their precious habitats across Hampshire, the Isle of Wight and our local seas. We hope to see 30% of our land and seas protected, restored and rewilded for nature by 2030.

"This generous donation will help us continue our work making more spaces for wildlife to thrive and creating a wilder future for us all. Thank you on behalf of everyone at the Trust for the continued support."

With families express consent, funding is raised through a national recycling scheme run by the Institute of Cemetery and Crematorium Management.

To find out more about The Oaks Crematorium, visit www.havantcrematorium.co.uk.