A bereavement service, which was on the brink of closure after its funding was cut, has been given a lifeline.

Every year Cruse offers counselling to hundreds of people who have lost loved ones across Maidstone and the Medway Towns.

Forty volunteers run a free, confidential telephone and email helpline every weekday morning, and also provide face-to-face support for those struggling to come to terms with a bereavement.

But last year the service was told Kent County Council was withdrawing its £5,000-a-year funding. It meant the charity in Marsham Street, would run out of money next month.

Now, Maidstone Lions Club has stepped in and given the charity enough cash to run until April next year while they look to find permanent funding from alternative routes.

Cruse fundraising co-ordinator Alison Blair said: “We were disappointed when we were told that we were to lose our funding.

“Our volunteers provide first-line telephone and email support to more than 500 people and provide face-to-face counselling to more than 100 people a year and we are well known in the county for our bereavement care.

“Bereavement is often the most traumatic experience someone can undergo, especially those who have lost a child, a partner or a loved one through suicide.

“Here people can talk to someone who is trained to be able to listen. Our feedback shows that most people who turn to us find it helps them, they may feel less depressed, are able to go back to work more quickly or integrate back into society.

“We are extremely grateful to the Lions for their generous support.”

The £6,000 was raised at the Lions’ annual quiz night last month.

The club;s Peter Hooper said: “I had already had the privilege of seeing the dedication of their volunteers some years back so had no hesitation in recommending to my colleagues in Lions that we support this worthwhile cause.”

To get in touch with Cruse call 01622 671011 or email maidstone@cruse.org.uk.