Gateway Funeral Services: Celebrate a loved one your own way

IN MEMORY: You can make your own plans to celebrate someone. | Gateway Funeral Services

It is probably fair to say that the idea of the unattended funeral was initially seen as something of an economy measure, at a time when costs of saying farewell to a loved one were rapidly rising.

The inflation crisis of 2022–23 also gave a boost to these cremation-only arrangements, as families’ finances became stretched.

However, since then, Gateway Funeral Services has noticed an ever-growing number of clients opting for unattended funerals as their first choice, regardless of financial factors.

“We are getting more and more interest in the idea of having an unattended funeral alongside an event to commemorate the life of someone who has passed away,” said Gateway’s Lucy Hitchcock.

“Consequently, we offer the option of a ‘celebration of life’ service, held in our chapel at Birkenshaw, which takes place in advance of the cremation and is conducted by a funeral celebrant.

“Rather than a traditional funeral service, it allows family and friends to create an event that best reflects the personality of their loved one, with as much or as little input as they wish.”

Lucy believes Gateway’s celebration service add-on is unique within the market for unattended cremations – but is keen to stress families do not have to take up the offer, which is priced at £600 on top of the current ‘at need’ unattended price, of £999.

“Whatever their reasons for choosing it, when I’m discussing funeral plans people are asking about the unattended option and are pleased to learn we are able to offer them this little extra,” she said.

This initiative is typical of how Gateway’s status as a truly independent, family-owned business gives it the ability to take the initiative and to devise new services in response to the wishes of its clients.

For more information on Gateway Funeral Services, please go to www.gatewayfunerals.co.uk or telephone 0800 007 6842.

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LINKS:

Website: gatewayfunerals.co.uk

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