Different Strokes has received a £7,000 donation thanks to North East Lincolnshire Council’s metal recycling scheme.

The metal comes from remains after cremation has taken place, and is often from orthopaedic implants such as hip and knee replacement joints.  The metals are collected by a specialist company for sorting and smelting, with the higher-grade cobalt steel used for manufacturing new orthopaedic implants and the remainder low-grade or ferrous metals returned to traditional recycling.

As this is a very sensitive area, in all cases, the consent of the nearest relatives to the deceased is sought prior to the cremation and subsequent recycling of metals.

Councillor Matthew Patrick, the portfolio holder for the environment for North East Lincolnshire Council, said:

“I’m really pleased to be able to present Different Strokes with this cheque for £7,000.

“The charity aims to promote independent stroke recovery and help younger stroke survivors reclaim their lives. The work they do is incredible.

“I hope the money goes a long way in helping the stroke survivors they support.”

Austin Willett, CEO of Different Strokes, added:

“We’re absolutely thrilled to receive this cheque from the Institute of Cemetery and Crematorium Management and North East Lincolnshire Council. The partnership they operate is highly innovate, and we’re very grateful to be a beneficiary of this. 

At Different Strokes, we support thousands of younger stroke survivors and their families every year, who face physical, cognitive and emotional challenges, as well as concerns about whether they will be able to return to work and support their family.

Through the many ways which we support people and the emphasis which we place on peer support, we are able to help people recover and reclaim their lives.

It’s fantastic to have the impact that we make recognised, and this money will be a great help in allowing us to support many more younger stroke survivors.”