YOUR CHOICE’S GONGS National FPOY winner 2018, 2020 Regional FPOY winner 2018, 2019, 2020
What does it take to be a multiple award winner? We catch up with 28-year-old Chris Sample to find out what makes his North East business so special
Congratulations Chris - you must be delighted with this, your second National Funeral Planner of the Year title!
“Yes, we are, it’s fantastic. This year, of course, has been a bit different so unfortunately there wasn’t the usual ceremony which is usually so nice to have. Still, when the letter arrived at the office my wife Carly and I were so chuffed and shared the news with all of the family who run the funeral homes with us. That’s my dad Graham, his wife Marie, my mother-in-law Debbie and close friend Dean. It’s for all of us.”
What made you want to get into funeral directing?
“I was 16 when I decided I wanted to be a funeral director. I did work experience and loved it, but I couldn’t get a job in a funeral home until a couple of years later. The work behind the scenes and the feeling of helping people is
Chris (centre) with dad Graham and wife Carly
awards helped you promote your business in the local community?
“It’s been hugely beneficial. We display the awards and certificates in the windows and inside the homes. We are very affordable and the awards help prove we are doing the right thing, so people trust that our services are up to excellent standards, despite the fact they cost less.”
A word from Golden Charter
Suzanne Grahame, CEO at Golden Charter, said: “We are delighted to recognise Chris Sample Funeral’s with our top award in addition to the regional award for North East England. These past few months have turned a spotlight on funeral directors - key workers who have supported our communities across the country, around the clock - and this recognition is very much deserved.
Commenting on the win
Christopher Sample, Funeral Director at Your Choice Funerals, said: “It is an absolute honour to be recognised as winner of the North East award as well as the national award for funeral planning. I can’t thank those who work with us enough, as my team and all our suppliers continue to show professionalism and dedication to funeral services throughout this challenging time.”