Fundraising for a free pet cremation service in Doncaster is underway

Past Meadows will be a free cremation service for anyone who lives in Doncaster - it will include collection and the return of ashes.

“The idea came to me after my aunt lost her dog, Teddy,” said 22-year-old businessman, Leonard Walton.

“She wanted Teddy to be buried with her but after speaking with many crematoriums we discovered how expensive it can be and started to wonder what happens when people can’t afford it.”

Leonard who is originally from Tickhill but now lives in Goole, decided he wanted to start a charity that would enable people to have their pets cremated with no charge.

If he can raise £40,000 the charity will be run in Everton village - the facility will include a farewell room where pet owners can say a final goodbye.

According to Leonard, the average pet cremation can cost between £135- £280 but he will be providing the service for free.

Leonard said: “Many elderly can’t afford to have their pets cremated.

“You would be surprised at how many people want to be buried with their dogs or cats but may not be able to because of the price.

“Pets can be like children to some people.”

The money Leonard wants to raise will go towards the price of installing an individual pet cremator and cremulator as well as office equipment and insurance.

The service will be available to people who live in the following areas: Sheffield, Rotherham, Lincoln, Gainsborough, Scunthorpe, Brigg, Crowle, Pontefract, Castleford, Chesterfield, Doncaster, Worksop, Newark, Mansfield, Barnsley Selby, Barton upon Humber, Brough, Swanland, North and South Cave and Epworth.

Leonard has worked for charities in the past and wants to make sure that his own will be as open as possible.

“Third-party donation sites such as GoFundMe or Virgin always take a percentage and that bothers me,” he said.

“I want to do things differently, we are going to have open accounts so that there is nothing to hide.”

If you would like to donate you can here.

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