A HAMPSHIRE hospice charity has received a much needed financial boost. Southampton City Council is supporting Naomi House this year and recently donated more than £4,000 to the cause.

The charity has set up hospices across the county to give life-limited children, young people and their families a place of respite.

The money was raised through the Institute of Cemeteries and Crematorium Management’s national scheme to recover the metal left by cremated remains to be melted down for money, which the council donates to a chosen charity. A representative for Naomi House said: “We are pleased that the council has chosen to support our work in this way. The money donated will be used by our hospices to provide essential care.

“While this may seem unusual to some, and can be a delicate subject, we often find that bereaved relatives take comfort in the knowledge their donation is helping others.

“We are extremely grateful to the families involved for their generosity.”

Councillor Jacqui Rayment presented the cheque to volunteers from the charity and said: “I was thrilled that we were able to donate such a large sum and I hope we can continue to work together and donate again in the near future.”