Milestone for Shrewsbury baby ashes petition online

Action for Ashes campaigners in Shrewsbury have now seen more than 1,000 people sign up to their online petition demanding new legislation which would ensure families have to receive ashes from the cremation of a child.

Along with people who have signed the paper version of the petition the group now has more than 1,500 signatures – with the eventual aim to have 5,000 to present to 10 Downing Street.

Rebecca Adams, vice-chairman of Action for Ashes, said she had been overwhelmed by the support they have received and that she would continue the campaign until the total has been reached.

She said: "We have had more than 1,000 signatures online which is a huge milestone for us, the support has been incredible. With the written petition we have probably got approximately 550.

"I was aiming for 1,500 initially but now we are going to do our best to get to 5,000."

An inquiry is currently being conducted into the cremation of babies at Emstrey Crematorium in Shrewsbury prior to 2012, where parents were told there were no ashes to be returned.

It is expected to publish its findings next month. Inquiry chairman David Jenkins has previously said that more than 60 families could have been affected.

Mrs Adams thanked those who have supported the campaign and urged those who have not yet signed to add their names. She said: "The support means everything to all the families who have not had any ashes returned."

The group has also received a number of donations from local businesses which are allowing them to press ahead with the campaign.

Mrs Adams said: "We would like to thank Paul and Robert Baines from Art & Vision Signs for the amazing banner, Allun Williams from Sign and Print Shropshire for the amazing flyers, T-shirt printing and invaluable contacts, Tristan King from for creating an incredible logo, Jillian and David Harber from Eden Candles for donating amazing personalised candles, and Clive Taylor from CT Signs for donating our desk plates."