Worcestershire crematorium adopts penguins

The Vale in Evesham's joining next year's great Waddle of Worcester.

Author: Ben CartwrightPublished 11th Oct 2023

A county crematorium is supporting Worcestershire’s next art trail so hospice organisers can keep delivering compassionate care for patients and their families.

The Vale Crematorium in Evesham, which is part of the Westerleigh Group, is joining the great Waddle of Worcester by sponsoring an adult and a baby penguin.

Two of eighty sculptures which will brighten city streets and public spaces in summer 2024, the large penguins will later be sold at auction to raise funds for St Richard’s Hospice. The Vale’s penguin chick will be designed and decorated by children from a local primary school.

Catherine Linfield, Site Manager for The Vale Crematorium, said: “We know first-hand how important it is to deliver compassionate and dignified support that’s tailored to each family, so we’re delighted to be joining the St Richard’s hospice huddle.”

“Just as the hospice cherishes its outdoor space, our beautifully-landscaped gardens of remembrance provide a pleasant, peaceful place for people to visit and reflect. Here families can remember, mourn and celebrate the lives of their loved ones in a way that is uniquely personal.”

The great Waddle of Worcester is a Wild in Art event brought to the city by St Richard’s following two previous trails supporting its care for patients with a serious progressive illness and their families.

Sara Matthews, Business Development Manager for St Richard’s Hospice, said: “It’s wonderful to welcome the team from The Vale Crematorium to the great Waddle of Worcester.

“So much of The Vale’s work, like our own, is helping local people to cherish precious memories of loved ones. We look forward to helping trail goers make lasting memories again next summer.”

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