Westerleigh to host Mother’s Day memorial services at crematoria

Westerleigh Group has revealed it is inviting people missing a mother figure or parents bereaved of a child to visit its crematoria to mark Mother’s Day (15 March).

The group, which operates 42 sites across England, Scotland and Wales, is opening its memorial gardens to the public regardless of where a funeral took place. Individual locations will host memorial services, while others will provide commemorative candles, memory trees and floral tributes for visitors.

Memorial post boxes will also be available at every site for visitors to post personal messages and cards to their loved ones.

The gardens of remembrance will remain open for those seeking a peaceful space for reflection. The invitation is open to all members of the community, whether the loss is recent or occurred some time ago.

Debbie Smith, chief executive of Westerleigh Group, 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. 

“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.”