‘Losing my nan inspired me to become a funeral director’
IAN wondering what went on behind the doors of his local undertakers.
Having previously worked as an airline flight attendant and in music licensing, Ian is now a funeral director for Co-op Funeralcare in Cambridge. And he says the key to his role is having the utmost care and compassion for families.
“I was always intrigued by the funeral-care industry,” explains Ian, 42, a dad to 22-yearold twins. “The idea of working in this field was always on the back burner for me, but it was losing my beloved nan five years ago that relit the flame. Nan was like a second mum to me. She was lucky to have passed away in her own home, surrounded by her family, but I found myself worrying about what would happen to her after she died.
“When a family tell you that you’ve made a real difference at a difficult time… that’s what keeps you going.”
“I became very involved with her funeral. The moment that really stands out for me is when the funeral director gave me back Nan’s wedding ring. It was done with such care. I thought that if I could make a family feel the same way, it would be the most rewarding thing I could ever do.”
Ian admits that his role can be stressful, with a lot of background work to do to ensure that each family is able to have exactly what they want for their loved one.
“There is so much more to it than walking in front of a hearse,” he says. “But when a family tell you that you’ve made a real difference at a difficult time… that’s what keeps you going.
“During the lockdown it was heartbreaking. People were being taken before their time, and for us it was about going the extra mile for them. Whether it’s wearing a certain colour suit, or organising someone’s favourite flowers – those little details go a long way.”