Woman spruces up Staffordshire war grave after starting own business
A woman who was made redundant due to the impact of coronavirus has spruced up the grave of a First World War soldier.
Angela Crump, from Churchbridge in Cannock, started up her own business tending to graves after being let go by charity Newlife.
And whilst tending to another memorial at Great Wyrley Cemetery, she spotted a dilapidated grave belonging to soldier Harold Mitchell.
The 64-year-old, who runs Cherished Care Grave Tending Services, said: "I was tending to a grave for someone at Great Wyrley Cemetery, and as I was finished I spotted this First World War grave.
"They're a specific kind of grave stone provided by the Commonwealth War Graves Commission and you could see it hadn't had anyone there for some time. I've sort of adopted it now.
"I gave it a clean up – I cleaned the stone but you couldn't place flowers down, so I went home and painted some rocks with poppies on and put them in front of the stone."
Ms Crump said she was thankful for Newlife for employing her for four years which led to her starting up her business with a view to help others in need.
She said: "I was made redundant as a result of Covid-19 and I did try and get other jobs, but I'm 64 and they didn't want me.
"I still felt I had a lot to give and I didn't want to completely retire – I wanted to do something different as well.
"And It's literally what it says on the tin – I'll go around to cemeteries and memorials for people who can't go there themselves, people who might be isolating and can't get out there.
"And these things will upset them – even if they want some flowers placed beside a grave I can do it. I just want to help people in a bit of trouble, really.
"I'm not going to make millions from it, I just want to help others – that's the main reason for it."
Angela can be reached by emailing cherishedcare2020@gmail.com, on Facebook by searching Cherished Care Grave Tending Services, or by calling 07922 955 299.
