Shrewsbury baby ashes campaigner overwhelmed by petition support
A father campaigning for changes to the law over baby cremations says he is overwhelmed that more than 1,000 people have backed his petition.
Action for Ashes founder Glen Perkins, 54, from Monkmoor, Shrewsbury, said he was "emotional" at the level of support shown by the public.
The petition, on change.org calls on the Government to change the law so that crematoriums have to return ashes from the cremations of babies or small children.
Mr Perkins launched the campaign after he was told there would be no ashes from the cremation of his daughter Olivia, who had died age four months from Sudden Infant Death syndrome.
Olivia was cremated at Emstrey Crematorium in Shrewsbury, which is currently the subject of an independent inquiry to find out why ashes were not returned to families from baby cremations.
It is believed that more than 60 cases are involved.
Mr Perkins thanked all those who have supported the campaign.
He said: "We are really pleased. Reaching the 1,000 signatures mark is unbelievable.
"The support has been overwhelming and it really is touching. The last few weeks have been quite emotional just to find out the support that we do have out there.
"I think it is an issue that everyone can understand and I would just encourage everyone to to keep supporting us. I know that the support we are receiving has really encouraged me to keep going."
The inquiry is expected to publish its findings next month and Mr Perkins said he would await the official report before deciding what to do next.
He said: "It is just a case of waiting to see what they say, what their recommendations are and then we will take it from there."
Earlier this month, Simon Hughes, who held the role as Justice Minister in the coalition Government, said he would like to see the law changed so that ashes must be returned to families.
He said: "I'm very sympathetic to the need to change to a system where in every case of infant deaths ashes are returned to their families.
"That is the least people can expect. I've recommended that me or my successor meet the parents in Shropshire.
"I'm keen to move quickly and end the risk of this happening again."
