Honouring mothers at Westerleigh Group’s crematoria

Westerleigh Group is inviting anyone who is missing a mother or mother figure, or parents bereaved of a child, to visit any of its crematoria to honour their loved ones and mark Mother’s Day.

Anyone living in, working in, or visiting communities surrounding the group’s crematoria locations is welcome to visit to reflect on and remember loved ones they have lost.

Each crematorium is making its own specific arrangements to mark Mother’s Day.

Some are hosting memorial services; others are offering visitors the chance to light commemorative candles or write messages on paper tags to be hung onto memory trees; some are offering wooden hearts, pebbles or flowers which can either be placed on a loved one’s memorial within the crematoria grounds or taken home.

Visitors will also be able to write personal messages, cards and letters and place them in the white memorial post boxes which are located at every Westerleigh Group site.

Westerleigh Group is one of the UK’s largest independent owners and operators of crematoria and cemeteries, with 42 sites in England, Scotland and Wales, and which is trusted by more families than any other provider to deliver funerals for their loved ones.

All Westerleigh's locations are set within beautifully landscaped gardens of remembrance which provide peaceful places for people to visit and reflect, while benefitting from exceptional care and support from its teams.

The group’s Chief Executive Officer, Debbie Smith, said: “Over the Mother’s Day period, our thoughts are with everyone who is missing their mother or a mother figure, and mothers grieving the loss of a child.

“We warmly welcome everyone who wishes to spend time at our crematoria for quiet reflection and remembrance. We understand that comfort means different things to different people, and we are here to support you in whatever way feels right.

“Whether you choose to take part in an activity arranged by our compassionate colleagues or simply enjoy a peaceful stroll through our beautiful Gardens of Remembrance, our doors are open.

“We invite all who would like to honour and commemorate their mother or a cherished mother figure to join us in a space of calm, comfort and reflection.”

The invitation is open to anyone to visit their local Westerleigh Group crematorium, cemetery or natural burial ground in order to remember their loved ones during the Mother’s Day period, whether or not there is a memorial to their mother or mother figure in the grounds, and regardless of where their funeral took place.

Whether a loss is recent or from some time ago, they are equally welcome.

If they are near to the crematorium around Mother’s Day, anyone and everyone is welcome to visit for a peaceful period of reflection and remembrance.

Debbie added: “Mother’s Day can intensify feelings of loss, and we want to reassure our communities that our locations - crematoria, cemeteries and natural burial grounds - remain open as peaceful, supportive spaces where people can pause, reflect and honour those they hold dear.

Anyone interested in finding out what is happening at their nearest Westerleigh Group crematorium to mark Mother’s Day, should visit its own website. Links to all the group’s crematoria can be found by visiting: www.westerleighgroup.co.uk/locations