Funeral Service Times May 2012 by Designed by Arthouse Publishing

uneral

The independent voice of the funeral profession

Established 2006

ISSN 2046-7273

ervice times MAY 2012

www.funeralservicetimes.co.uk

Online tributes

A growing web of charity

Charity special Donations for research, support and care Dying matters

Rev Callander considers society’s approach to death in preparation for the Dying Matters Awareness Week

Hearse and verse

Two examples of poetry’s ability to illustrate the importance of an individual’s life, and the legacy left behind

This month

M AY

2012

C o n te n t s

Dispatches

Comment

The latest news from the profession As his term as public relations officer for the Irish Association of Funeral Directors draws to a close, Gus Nichols reflects on the pros and cons of media representation

Products 14 New products and services from the trade

Bereavement 17 Rev George Callander draws inspiration from the forthcoming Dying Matters Awareness Week and his experiences on a recent family visit for this month’s discussion

Life and legacy

Bigger and better

Web of charity

Peter Wyllie chooses two poems that resonate with emotion, and illustrate the importance of an individual’s life Omega Supplies UK Ltd has been expanding in many ways over the past year. Louise Hoffman catches up with managing director Richard Arnold to hear more

Louise Hoffman takes a look at a few of the online tribute services that are available, both to recommend to your clients and in some cases to partner with CHARITY SPECIAL

Behind the scenes

Memorial funds are an invaluable source of comfort for many bereaved families, and Leigh Slocombe, chief executive of Epilepsy Research UK, outlines the donation process from a charity’s perspective

RSPB 32 34 Guide Dogs Macmillan 35 The British Kidney Patient Association 36 The Hawk and Owl Trust 38 Brain Tumour Research 39 The Stroke Association 40 UK Stem Cell Foundation 41 British Heart Foundation 42 Redwings Horse Sanctuary 44 Vitalise 45 Carers UK 48 International Glaucoma Association 49 BRACE 50 Kidney Wales Foundation 52 Deafness Research UK 54 Age Scotland 55 St Elizabeth’s Centre 56 The PSP Association 57 ACT 58 Samantha Dickson Brain Tumour Trust 60 The Psychiatry Research Trust 61

Editor’s letter

hen editing this latest ‘charity special’ issue of Funeral Service Times, I was especially moved by the personal account delivered by Audrey Russell, in-memoriam officer at the RSPB, whose own passion for the creatures that she helps to protect shines through in her writing. Those who share such a passion have the advantage of an inherent understanding of exactly what it means to each of them – undoubtedly of benefit to Audrey in her work! One cannot donate to every single charity that exists in the world, and so as is frequently the case, donations are made to those causes that one feels passionate about. Never more is this the right and proper way to choose a beneficiary, I would argue, than when writing a will or making donations in memory of the deceased, because these donations carry so much emotional weight. They are not only seen as financial contributions to an organisation, but as contributions to the memory of individual human beings; the lives they led; and their importance to their family, friends, community, and even country. In view of this, a respect for the passions of the deceased, and the issues which affected them, is absolutely imperative, because they are not just hobbies or interests, but rather symbolic representations that remain here on earth even after those people are gone. I hope that this month’s magazine provides you with inspiration as you help your clients to fittingly commemorate the lives of their loved ones.

Your story

Michael Oglesby, funeral director, R E Jones Funeral Directors

Louise Hoffman

louise@funeralservicetimes.co.uk

Dispatches

Funeral Service The independent voice of the funeral profession

times

Established 2006

Funeral Service Times is published monthly by:

Mulberry Publications Ltd, Wellington House, Butt Road, Colchester CO3 3DA Tel: 01206 767 797 Fax: 01206 767 532 www.funeralservicetimes.co.uk Editor Louise Hoffman louise@funeralservicetimes.co.uk Editorial Assistant Naida Ally naida@funeralservicetimes.co.uk Design/Deputy Production Editor Lewis Bowes copy@funeralservicetimes.co.uk Group Advertisement Manager Kelly Smith kelly@funeralservicetimes.co.uk Deputy Group Advertisement Manager Julie-Ann Kwok julie@funeralservicetimes.co.uk Advertising Sales Adam Bennett adam@funeralservicetimes.co.uk Accounts Maureen Scrivener accounts@funeralservicetimes.co.uk Customer Services 01206 767 797 customers@mulberrypublications.co.uk Contributing writers: Gus Nichols, Leigh Slocombe, Peter Wyllie & Rev George Callander Cover image: Samantha Dickson Brain Tumour Trust

ISSN 2046-7273 The editor and publishers do not guarantee the accuracy of statements made by contributors or advertisers, or accept responsibility for any statement that they express in this publication. The opinion of the contributors may not necessarily be the opinion of the publishers. Articles are considered for publication on the basis that they are the author’s original work. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying or otherwise, without the permission of the publishers.

LM Funerals sold for £37.5 million One of Britain’s largest funeral companies, LM Funerals, has been sold for £37.5 million to a consortium of private equity investors led by Duke Street Capital. The Duke Street consortium has acquired LM Funerals from Sovereign Capital Europe, which bought the business in 2003, growing the company from 29 to 67 sites. This latest sale to Duke Street, which is a buy-out firm focused on investing in small companies, aims to continue with Sovereign’s “strategy of consolidation”. Duke Street commented: “With more than 60 per cent of the £1.5 billion funeral services market run by 2,500 independent operators, there is still significant room for further consolidation. Sovereign installed Deborah Kemp as chief executive of LM funerals in 2010 and she will continue to run the business under Duke Street’s ownership.” “While the business may have been refinanced, the same management team remains in place, driving forward the same values that have attracted so many funeral directors to become part of our family in recent years,” added Deborah. “We have high aspirations for the business moving forward. The robust footing we have developed, underpinned by Duke Street’s backing, means that our existing collective of funeral businesses, as well new acquisitions, will benefit from additional investment and our progressive philosophy going forward.”

Success for funeralmap’s first convention The inaugural funeral and bereavement convention, organised by funeralmap and held in Birmingham on 27 March, saw a variety of delegates attend – from funeral directors to hospice staff and funeral celebrants. The theme was ‘It’s all About Choice’, and throughout the day talks from a range of speakers took place. These included the Rev Dr Peter Jupp, who opened the conference speaking about how attitudes and approaches to death and dying had changed in the years since the world wars and the advent of the NHS, before taking the audience through the 10 steps that he believes a funeral is designed to achieve. Charles Cowling, author of The Good Funeral Guide, called on the funeral industry to be “collaborative, not competitive,” and suggested a greater public debate about death and dying in order to encourage people to plan ahead and make informed choices about their funerals. Other speakers included Rosie Inman-Cook, manager of the Natural Death Centre and Lauren Dunne, from the NHS Blood and Transplant North West. Well over 120 people attended, and there are plans to expand the event in future years.

Third accolade for Willowfield FDs An east Belfast funeral home has been awarded a major regional title for the third consecutive year. Willowfield Private Funeral Home on Woodstock Road has attained the exclusive Funeral Planner of the Year 2012 (Northern Ireland) award from Golden Charter. It was judged as a regional winner from over 1,800 other funeral homes who exclusively offer Golden Charter funeral plans. Directors Stephen Love and Elaine Barr travelled to Newcastle Upon Tyne on 17 March to collect the award on behalf of the company. In addition to the silver salver and framed certificate from Golden Charter, the Woodland Trust has dedicated a stand of trees in the company’s name at the Woodland Walkway in east Belfast. Stephen and Elaine said: “We are absolutely delighted. The award pays tribute to all the hard work put into the business and the dedication and professionalism of all our colleagues.” Ronnie Wayte, managing director of Golden Charter, added: “Through these awards Golden Charter has been able to recognise personal excellence and professional commitment in one of the most challenging areas of serving the public.”

Dispatches

Co-op brass band wins Scottish Championships The Co-operative Funeralcare band has won the prestigious Scottish Championships for the 31st time. The 30-strong brass band competed against nine other bands in the top-flight Championship league of brass bands at Glenrothes, Fife, on 11 March to win the title for the third time in the last four years. Each band played the same test piece – The Devil and the Deep Blue Sea – and two independent adjudicators decided that the Co-operative Funeralcare Band performed it best. Bass trombonist Charlie Farren won the John Campbell award for best trombone and Caroline Farren won the Bram Thompson medal for best horn/flugel. The band, which consists of 25 brass players and five percussionists, was conducted by Dr Nicholas Childs. On 1 May they will travel to Rotterdam to represent Scotland in Europe against bands from nine other countries.

Funeral industry qualifications awarded to Midcounties colleagues

Colleagues from the Midcounties Co-operative Funeralcare have been awarded NVQ level 2 qualifications in customer services. A total of 35 colleagues from Midcounties were awarded the qualification after studying for the course over eight months. The NVQ is equivalent to five GCSEs, and there are a range of qualifications on offer including customer service and management. The courses, offered through Performance through People, help colleagues develop their knowledge and understanding of the funeral industry. Simon Fisher, group general manager at Midcounties Co-operative Funeralcare, said: “It is really important that all of our colleagues receive the support and training they need for a rewarding career, which will help them to grow and develop. “We believe that by offering training initiatives and support in such a specialised field, we are able to provide a complete and sensitive service to customers and offer them a funeral care package that meets the needs of the individual.”

Artistic youngsters make mum’s day Little artists from Ickleford Pre-School made Mother’s Day extra special after winning prizes for their mums. Children from the school, which is based at Ickleford Village Hall, were asked to draw pictures of their mums for a competition organised by V R Jennings Funeral Service in Ickleford, Hitchin. Funeral arranger Susannah Fruen from the Arlesey Road funeral home organised the Mother’s Day competition for youngsters from both the playgroup and the nursery. The winner in each age group won a Solid Silver Heart Fingerprint necklace, while the two runners up in each category won potted flower arrangements for their mums.

And briefly New era for Yately funeral home A funeral home in Yateley says it has begun a “new era” after relocating to new premises. George Parker Funeral Directors has moved from just a few doors away to White Lodge Court on Reading Road. The interior features a private arranging room, a chapel of rest, a reception area and a parking area. Lyn Head, a qualified funeral arranger who has worked for George Parker for two years, will still be available to assist local bereaved families. She is joined by driver/bearer Larry Lee who has worked for George Parker for eight years. Manager Roger Waddington said: “The Parkers have been in the village of Yateley since the 1700s and our beautiful new funeral home proudly carries that name. George Parker has a long tradition of assisting local bereaved families and our new premises will ensure that we can continue to provide a high quality and caring service in our community.” Qualification for Salisbury embalmer Natalie Austin, 33, an embalmer for the Co-operative Funeralcare on Catherine Street, has achieved her British Institute of Embalmers qualification after studying for over three years. The qualification covered all aspects of the role including embalming theory and practical training. Natalie, who is also a trained funeral director, said: “It means that when a family comes to me to help them arrange their loved one’s funeral I can help them every step of the way. It makes the whole process much more personal: the families I look after know I’ll be there for their loved ones as well as them. I can also confidently but sensitively answer any questions they may have on any aspect of the funeral process.” Magiquiz March On Saturday 10 March, representatives from James Crook Funeral Directors were able to raise over £420 for St Luke’s Hospice in Kenton Grange. They were assisted by St Augustine Church at Wembley Park through the donation of their hall space; Magiquiz, a company offering corporate entertainment; Careprint, which printed the advertising material; and Dignity funeral management, who encouraged local businesses and pubs to donate prizes. “We are grateful to all those who came to compete in the quiz and catch the magic. We feel honoured to have had so much support in raising funds for a fantastic charity that enhances the quality of life for those suffering terminal illness, and supports those who love them,” said staff at James Crook. New finance boss at Co-operative Funeralcare The Co-operative Funeralcare recently announced a new senior management appointment. Andy Oldale, from Chorlton, Manchester, has been promoted to head of finance, after having previously worked for the Co-operative Food. Andy joined the Co-operative Group in 1996 having trained as an accountant at Ernst & Young. His new role is to head up finance for the Co-operative Funeralcare and he reports directly to the group chief financial officer Stephen Humes. Andy’s key accountabilities include support for the senior management team to achieve financial and operating targets, and to lead and develop the Funeralcare finance team. He will also help develop, drive and implement finance strategy. George Tinning, managing director of the Co-operative Funeralcare, said: “I am delighted to welcome Andy to the business and his expertise and support for our senior management team will help to take Funeralcare forward.”

Dispatches

And briefly MAB photography competition The Memorial Awareness Board (MAB), the organisation that works to promote and raise awareness of memorialisation issues in the United Kingdom, has launched its competition for a third year, encouraging photographers of all abilities to submit their images of memorials with the themes ‘then’ and ‘now’, for which the winner will receive £1,000. This year there is an added twist to the rules, as the public will be able to vote from the 10 shortlisted entries on the MAB website, to choose the ultimate winner and runner up. MAB’s campaign director Mike Dewar said: “Memorials and cemeteries have long been a favourite subject for photographers. There certainly is no shortage of unusual and interesting memorials throughout UK burial grounds and this competition focuses on capturing and showcasing their unsung beauty.” To enter the competition and for full terms and conditions please visit www.memorialawarenessboard.wordpress.com Investment boost for South Tyneside funeral firm In order to update its facilities, Tynedale Funeral Services has secured £120,000 from the Finance For Business North East Growth Fund, as reported in The Shields Gazette. The revamp has already begun at the company’s South Shields and Hebburn offices; a new Mercedes hearse has also been added to its fleet of vehicles, and a new range of coffins and other products are to be introduced soon. After working as the manager of Tynedale Funeral Services for more than four years, FD Mark Cook bought the business with his wife, Diane, at the start of this year, when its founder, Peter Kerrigan, decided to retire. Mr Cook said: “Tynedale Funeral Services has established a strong reputation around South Tyneside, and we’re now building on that by bringing in the sorts of new products, services and vehicles that we know will maintain and improve the standards built up here over two decades.” FDs achieve advanced qualifications A funeral arranger from Middlesbrough and a funeral arranger from Blyth have been recognised for the service they provide in caring for the bereaved. Lisa Digiorgio, 32, from the Co-operative Funeralcare in Norfolk Place, Berwick Hills, and Lottie Townsley, 31, from the Waterloo Road branch in Blyth, have achieved their Advanced Diploma in Funeral Arranging and Administration. The qualification covers all aspects of the role, including funeral laws and customs; funeral arranging; and caring for the deceased. “I’m glad that my role means I can help families at their time of need and I was determined to get my qualification to demonstrate my professionalism,” said Lisa. Meanwhile, Lottie said of her achievement: “I work in a great team who all help and support each other. Every day is different and I take comfort in the knowledge that we help people through very difficult times in their lives.” Which? reveals iPad app for dealing with death Consumer group Which? has converted its best-selling guide What to Do When Someone Dies, into an app for Apple’s iPad. The app provides practical advice on the steps to take following a death, including information on how to register the death, make funeral arrangements, and choose between burial or cremation, as well as dealing with probate, inheritance tax and the administration of the estate. The app also helps users to organise and keep track of arrangements at a difficult time, with features for making notes, running a calendar and maintaining a contact book.

RIP John Harwood Austin John Harwood Austin, who died aged 76 on 1 April 2012, was the ninth generation of his family to run Hertfordshire-based funeral directors Austin’s. Born on 26 September 1935, at the age of 18, while on holiday with his family, he saved a mother and her two children from drowning off the Cornish coast. In recognition of his bravery, John was awarded the Boy Scouts Association Gilt Cross for Gallantry. Following the sudden death of his father, Arthur, he took over the family building and undertaking firm in January 1965. W Austin & Sons was responsible for many developments in Stevenage but in 1978 John decided to dissolve the building side of the business and focus on Austin’s as a funeral directors. Over the next 25 years he established the firm as a leading Hertfordshire independent funeral directors. John spent much of the 1970s trying to persuade local councils to provide a crematorium for north Herts, both to ease the pressure on Luton and Watford and to prevent grieving families having to travel so far. Financial constraints were the reason for the councils’ reluctance, so John proposed building a private crematorium on a municipal site. In 1997, after almost 30 years of campaigning, John opened Harwood Park Crematorium and Memorial Gardens. Today the 25-acre site carries out 2,200 cremations annually and employs nine members of staff. In addition to his work for Austin’s, John was heavily involved in the wider industry and in 1994 was president of the European branch of SIFH (Selected Independent Funeral Homes). John was actively involved in the local community and enjoyed treading the boards with the Lytton Players. He was a member of Round Table, 41 Club, Masonic Lodge, Rotary and Probus. He was also a member and chairman of the Parish Council in Datchworth where he lived for many years. John married Jean Spencer in 1962. He is survived by Jean, his children David and Claire (the current managing director of Austin’s Funeral Directors) and grandchildren Lydia and Oscar.

Clydebank bearer recognised for his 20 years of service A funeral staff worker from Clydebank has clocked up 20 years’ service in his local community, and has been rewarded with a Long Service Award. Douglas Jardine, 52, based at the Co-operative Funeralcare in Bogmoor Place, Shieldhall, began his 20-year career as a driver/bearer in Scotland Street, Glasgow. Although he is based in Shieldhall he serves all of the Co-operative Funeralcare’s 27 funeral homes across the city according to demand. Douglas said: “Being a driver/bearer means I get to help the bereaved when they need it the most. I enjoy working with people and think of myself as a good communicator.” Photo: Douglas Jardine (right) is presented with his Long Service Award by manager Bill Pollock.

Quote of the month “To the well-organised mind, death is but the next great adventure.” - J K Rowling, Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone.

Dispatches

Three minute interview

Dying Matters Awareness Week This year’s Dying Matters Awareness Week is taking place from 14 to 20 May, during which time members will host events in order to encourage people to talk more about dying, death and bereavement. Dying Matters is a 16,000 member coalition, which aims to change public knowledge, attitudes and behaviours towards death. Set up and led by the National Council for Palliative Care (NCPC) to support the implementation of the Department of Health’s End of Life Care Strategy, its membership is made up of organisations from across the NHS and the voluntary and independent health and care sectors. “Death is still a taboo, which is why our members are encouraging people to talk about their wishes with friends, family and loved ones towards the end of their lives, including where they want to die and their funeral plans. Our aim is to make a ‘good death’ the norm,” explain the organisers. For more information, please visit www.dyingmatters.org

Dates for your diary... Gary Allsop, managing director, Allsops CTF Ltd Describe yourself in three words

Focused, fair, positive. What is your earliest memory?

Sitting in a highchair eating Jelly Babies!

14 – 20 May www.dyingmatters.org

2 – 4 July

1 – 3 October

Source: Northern Ireland Statistics and Research Agency Dec-11 1,176

Aladdin Sane by David Bowie

When I got married, my grandpa told me the secret to a happy marriage was to “bear and forbear.” Sue and I have been married almost 30 years, and it just gets better and better, so it must work. Incidentally, grandpa was the first generation of our family to work as a supplier in the funeral trade. What is your next goal in life?

To not spend any more money doing our house up. If you could visit anywhere in the world, where would you choose and why?

The Caribbean – the perfect place to relax and recharge your batteries. What is your favourite quote or saying?

“Good morning, Allsops, can I help you?” What is the most important thing that your job has taught you?

Treat others as you’d want to be treated yourself.

www.iccm-uk.com

Provisional deaths in Northern Ireland by month of registration, 2011/12

What was the first album you bought?

What is the best advice you’ve been given?

Institute of Cemetery & Crematorium Management ICCM Learning Convention and Exhibition Forest Pines Hotel North Lincolnshire

www.cbce.org.uk

I had no idea what I wanted to be, as long as I was out of school.

My wife Sue; we always have so much to share and talk about.

www.iocf.org.uk/lfe2012.pdf

Cremation & Burial Conference & Exhibition 2012 The Hilton Newcastle Gateshead Newcastle Upon Tyne

When you were at school, what did you want to be and why?

If you could have dinner with one person, who would you choose and why?

7 – 8 July

London Funeral Exhibition (LFE) Chiltern Woodland Burial Park Buckinghamshire

Dying Matters Awareness Week Events nationwide

Jan-12 1,433

Feb-12 1,267

Monthly provisional figures on deaths registered by area of usual residence, 2011/12 Source: ONS

England and Wales

Dec-11

Jan-12

Feb-12

TOTAL REGISTRATIONS

43,570

46,902

44,540

ENGLAND AND WALES

43,482

46,809

44,474

ENGLAND North East North West Yorkshire and the Humber East Midlands West Midlands East London South East South West

40,752 2,346 6,115 4,408 3,651 4,372 4,580 4,228 6,516 4,536

43,887 2,471 6,330 4,827 3,855 4,721 4,862 4,604 7,280 4,937

41,863 2,186 5,926 4,448 3,725 4,445 4,778 4,627 7,023 4,705

WALES

2,730

2,922

2,611

Non-residents of England & Wales

Comment

Read all about it!

As his term as public relations officer for the Irish Association of Funeral Directors draws to a close, Gus Nichols reflects on the pros and cons of media representation

have inherited a few things over the years, some better than others: gout from my father; some gloomy paintings of ancestors; an interesting drinks cabinet from the first Rolls Royce the company had in the 1960s; and, since 2004, the job of spokesperson for the Irish Association of Funeral Directors (IAFD). The Association is currently seeking a replacement for me as I will step down from the board at the end of the year. The public relations officer (PRO) is an important role for any organisation, and it is a role that has changed over the last eight years – the media makes contact with the IAFD on a much more regular basis than heretofore, and it would appear, to me at least, that there is more of an emphasis on trying to trip you up; use words and phrases out of context; and make the story become a story in itself. That said, I do appreciate the role that journalists play and by and large much of what is printed and reported is spot-on and correct. My first brush with an issue that drew heavy media attention was in 2004. Ireland’s national airline, Aer Lingus, had decided to cease providing air cargo services. Air cargo had become very expensive to run, had protracted and complicated labour issues, and as a result the airline decided to shut cargo down and concentrate fully on its passenger traffic. A by-product of this was the cessation of the repatriation service that it had provided for many years, to Dublin, Shannon and Cork. There was uproar in the media and, of course, the IAFD was brought in. Talk show phone-ins were dominated by the issue and

yours truly found himself in the middle of it. It did seem a little alarming that the national airline of an island nation would no longer be able to assist the bereaved in getting loved ones home. We received a call from Aer Lingus’s then boss Willie Walsh (now running British Airways) and went to see the company. After some discussion it was agreed that Aer Lingus would continue to provide a repatriation service into and out of Heathrow only. This concession was well received and the issue disappeared from the media’s view as quickly as it had arrived. Other issues have come and gone, but others have never gone away – the cost of funerals; the cremation rate; green funerals; non-religious funerals; the cost of graves; how one becomes a funeral director; embalming and the biocide directive; and so on.

As PR companies will tell you, there is a well worn path to learning how to get your message across to the public Last year I was reported as saying that funeral directors experience recessions like every other industry, and this whipped up the media pack as, however hard we try, journalists always think that this business is a licence to print money. Clearly I failed in my

duty to change our image! I also upset some of our own members by saying that some parts of the country were more expensive for funerals than others. To be fair to the media, there are issues that the media can help you with. The IAFD paper on regulation of the funeral industry in Ireland was widely reported, and without that, we would not have been as successful in meeting with government to move the issue along. As PR companies will tell you, there is a well worn path to learning how to get your message across to the public. There is an art in not answering the question directly but saying what you want to say – hence our Association will seek professional assistance and training for my replacement. In this day and age there is simply no excuse for sloppy or ill-prepared representation, and it reflects very badly on an organisation if it is. I know that the UK funeral sector is very well served by Dom Maguire, and the NAFD is lucky to have had such a skilled PRO in that position for so long. FIAT-IFTA has been a busy office for me of late, with the Convention in June now really warming up. I am very much looking forward to attending the NAFD AGM in Stratford-upon-Avon in May, meeting old friends and making new ones. These two years have passed at an alarming rate and I find it hard to believe that my term is coming to an end. It has been anything but dull! Gus Nichols

For more information about FIAT-IFTA, please visit www.thanos.org

PRODUCTS

Phoenix Marble & Granite Ltd

Phoenix Marble & Granite Ltd is a monumental stonemason based in Dorset, supplying the UK. With a combined experience in the trade of over 115 years, the company “creates the highest standards of craftsmanship.” It has been commissioned to create many standard and bespoke pieces, from pet memorials to royal commissions. “We have the facilities and workforce to commit to a delivery schedule of 8 to 10 weeks for supply, and 10 to 12 weeks for supply and fixing for the majority of orders. Our prime objective is to give second-to-none customer service throughout the industry,” the company adds. Information: 01202 894 110 or www.phoenixmandg.co.uk

Rose House Funeral Supplies

“As part of an on-going legacy to our daughter, Emma, who passed away a number of years ago, we would like to offer a free keepsake/ashes urn to any funeral director conducting a funeral on behalf of the family of a bereaved child,” says Martin Wilson of Rose House. “The offer will be on-going with no ties. All we would like is that the funeral director does not charge for the urn, and would help us in some part to cover the carriage cost of sending the urn, be it a very small order of something else, or a physical contribution towards the carriage cost. Danny, our graphics man, can come up with some artwork or information if required. Please be assured that there is no catch. Just myself and Joanne wishing to give something back to families.” Information: 01283 819 922 or www.funeral-supplies.co.uk

Greenfield Creations

Greenfield Creations has recently started using the wonders of 3D simulation, viewing a coffin design from any angle before it is manually produced. Jonny, the company’s art studio manager, uses templates to apply his design to a wire frame, which can be simulated to produce a representation of the coffin design required. This enables families to see their bespoke designs in their full glory. Using this technology, Jonny’s latest project is his ‘coffin of the week’ section on the company’s website. He produces a small movie, which allows all angles of the coffin to be seen with a 360 degree rotation of the coffin design. To have a look, go to the ‘coffin gallery’ section of the website, and click on ‘coffin of the week’. Information: www.greenfieldcreationscoffins.co.uk

BEREAVEMENT

Dying matters

The Oxfordshire Health Bus, backed by Dying Matters

With Dying Matters Awareness Week being held this month, Rev George Callander ruminates upon society’s approach to death and dying in the present day

ying Matters Awareness Week runs this year from 14 to 20 May. Around the country there will be a diversity of public events seeking to make talking about death and dying more open and accessible to all. There can be little doubt that making these concepts part of everyday life and not something to be hidden away can only benefit those living and coping with loss and bereavement. I am proud to be a member of the Dying Matters Coalition, and I will be participating in events in the north east, including speaking at Butterwick Hospice in Bishop Auckland. Although Dying Matters Awareness Week is a wonderful and important event, there would of course be no need for it to happen if society was more open to death, dying and loss. However, not every family finds it difficult

to talk about death. Last month I conducted the funeral of William Reay who died full of years after a long and fulfilled life. I had the great honour of visiting his nearest and dearest to talk about Billy’s life and plan the funeral service. I was greeted by a number of family members, young and old, enjoying the spring sunshine. Inside the house I met Billy’s lovely wife Rita, his daughters, some of his grandchildren and his two small great grandsons, Paul and Jay. The house was full of laughter as we chatted about Billy’s life, character and the warm, loving relationship he enjoyed with all of his family. There was also much coming and going as people came in to see Rita. During the arrangements, I was stopped in my tracks when little Paul (aged about four) asked me if I would like to see his granddad. Until that point I had no idea Billy’s body

Only a few generations ago most people would ‘rest’ at home before their funeral, allowing family and friends to gather to pay respects to the deceased

had been brought home to be with his family. In my experience when a body is brought home, a hushed reverence descends upon the house, so one is generally aware of the presence of a body. Not so in the Reay household – life was very much ongoing! I went with Paul and Jay and their parents to see granddad in his coffin. The two little boys were chatting away about their granddad, telling me he was sleeping in his special bed (which, they added, he couldn’t fall out of!). Billy had been expertly presented by the funeral directors and did indeed look very peaceful and smartly dressed. The children had been wandering in and out of the room to spend time with their granddad without any fear or anxiety. He was still granddad. When I was a student nurse 200 years ago, we studied the Roper, Logan and Tierney model of nursing care, which holistically embraced the breadth of people’s ‘activities of daily living’; the last of which is dying. Dying, after all, is the final thing we do in life. Understanding the place of death in life helped us as greenhorn nurses to appreciate the importance of caring for the dying and the dead – death being as important a part of

BEREAVEMENT

NHS Manchester

life as eating, drinking, working and playing. Only a few generations ago most people would ‘rest’ at home before their funeral, allowing family and friends to gather to pay respects to the deceased and offer condolences to the bereaved. Gathering around the bereaved was part of family life and part of community life. Indeed, in some parts of society today, this remains the custom; and in my pastoral experience those concerned have a richer, more open attitude to death and dying because of it.

Above all, we should celebrate the deceased person’s place within their family and wider circle, and their continuing influence in the lives of those who loved them Few of us who work within the funeral profession will not have heard read at both sacred and secular funeral services (yes, it appears in the book Funerals Without God) the passage from the Book of Ecclesiastes, which begins with the words: “For everything there is a season: a time for every purpose under the sun. A time to be born and a time to die...” Whether or not we are religious, these words serve as an eloquent reminder that human beings are each part of the circle of

life, with all its highs and lows; happy times and times of sorrow. No matter how much we put the reality to the back of our minds, we are all born to die. In family life, birth is celebrated with great rejoicing and happiness. However, a death in the family is generally (but not exclusively) kept low-key and solemn. It is my belief that in most circumstances (but far from all) there is much to celebrate when someone dies; not least their personal, family and professional achievements. Above all we should celebrate the deceased person’s place within their family and wider circle, and their continuing influence in the lives of those who loved them. Which brings me back to the short time I spent with Billy Reay’s wife and family, arranging the farewell they wanted in order to truly celebrate the life of a much-loved man. I will never forget the experience of going with those two small boys – the youngest in the family, just starting out on their own circle of life – to see the body of their beloved great granddad – the oldest in the family, at the end of his circle of life, yet still very much at the heart of his family. I am privileged to have been a small part of Billy’s story. I am grateful to the family of the late William Reay, in particular his wife Rita and great grandsons Paul and Jay, for inspiring this month’s article. Main images courtesy of Dying Matters. The Rev George Callander is senior minister of the liberal Christian UK Open Free Church, president of the Society of Bereavement Practitioners, and a bereavement specialist practitioner, speaker and trainer. Please visit www.gscallander.com or www.socbp.org for more information.

HEARSE AND VERSE

Life and legacy

Peter Wyllie chooses two poems that

resonate with emotion, and illustrate the importance of an individual’s life

here are just three more articles to write before I complete two years of very enjoyable writing. I was gratified to hear from a funeral professional from Scotland, who told me she has kept every one of these articles and has found them helpful. It is good to know that they are read and appreciated. This month I have two moving poems for you. The first is taken from a service that I conducted for a lady who had been very influential as a teacher. The poem was written and read by a friend and colleague and he gave me his permission to publish it: Here we are in life and life abounds Can you hear the birds singing? Feel the breeze upon your cheek? Nod and say hello to people passing by? We are alive, and alive to sights and sounds, Smells too, that breeze the scent of flowers bringing. Life is all around, all that we seek. The voice, the noise of others, a laugh, a shout, a cry. But she’s not here, now beyond our bounds, Still and silent, no longer to life clinging. Once alert, upright, presented proud and sleek, Then in decline, now gone, let’s bid her a last goodbye. © Brian Stevens The second is a poem in memory of an old soldier, which I found particularly poignant: Just a Common Soldier (A Soldier Died Today) He was getting old and paunchy and his hair was falling fast, And he sat around the Legion, telling stories of the past. Of a war that he had fought in and the deeds that he had done, In his exploits with his buddies; they were heroes, every one. And tho’ sometimes, to his neighbors, his tales became a joke,

All his Legion buddies listened, for they knew whereof he spoke. But we’ll hear his tales no longer for old Bill has passed away, And the world’s a little poorer, for a soldier died today. He will not be mourned by many, just his children and his wife, For he lived an ordinary and quite uneventful life. Held a job and raised a family, quietly going his own way, And the world won’t note his passing, though a soldier died today. When politicians leave this earth, their bodies lie in state, While thousands note their passing and proclaim that they were great. Papers tell their whole life stories, from the time that they were young, But the passing of a soldier goes unnoticed and unsung. Is the greatest contribution to the welfare of our land A guy who breaks his promises and cons his fellow man? Or the ordinary fellow who, in times of war and strife, Goes off to serve his Country and offers up his life? A politician’s stipend and the style in which he lives Are sometimes disproportionate to the service that he gives. While the ordinary soldier, who offered up his all, Is paid off with a medal and perhaps, a pension small. It’s so easy to forget them for it was so long ago, That the old Bills of our Country went to battle, but we know It was not the politicians, with their compromise and ploys,

Who won for us the freedom that our Country now enjoys. Should you find yourself in danger, with your enemies at hand, Would you want a politician with his ever shifting stand? Or would you prefer a soldier, who has sworn to defend His home, his kin and Country and would fight until the end? He was just a common soldier and his ranks are growing thin, But his presence should remind us we may need his like again. For when countries are in conflict, then we find the soldier’s part Is to clean up all the troubles that the politicians start. If we cannot do him honor while he’s here to hear the praise, Then at least let’s give him homage at the ending of his days. Perhaps just a simple headline in a paper that would say, Our Country is in mourning, for a soldier died today. A Lawrence Vaincourt

If you have found a poem that is particularly appropriate to a certain situation we would love to hear from you. Send your contributions to poetry@silverdove.org.uk Peter Wyllie is an independent funeral celebrant and president of the AOIC. For more information please visit www.silverdove.org.uk or www.independentcelebrants.com

Interview

Bigger and better The past year has been hugely busy for Omega Supplies UK Ltd, which has expanded its business through acquisition and distribution, and launched new products and embalmer training courses. Louise Hoffman hears more from managing director Richard Arnold Can you update us on all of the developments that have taken place at Omega Supplies since we last spoke? Omega Supplies has been very busy this year looking for ways to improve and expand the business. We wish to introduce Garry Shaw as a new member of our sales team and we are happy to introduce Omega Supplies Netherlands, which has opened several new markets for us across Europe. We have acquired two further companies to expand our repertoire and to enhance the service that we offer; and we are in discussions with new distributors in France, Spain, Italy, Poland and Russia to further expand our market. And how have you grown your product portfolio and service offering? Our range has been expanded to specialist products such as fingerprint jewellery by Jewel Concepts of the Netherlands. These master jewellers have created a superb range of silver, gold and even platinum jewellery, where the deceasedâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s fingerprint is imprinted on any piece. We have also expanded this fingerprint range to pets, babies and children. We have an exclusive range of handmade wood and porcelain urns now available. Their construction and appearance are of the highest quality. A new range of eco-friendly stainless steel and glass cleaners have also been introduced and have been an overwhelming success. Our urn range will be extended by a further 100-plus urns and keepsakes this year, along with other lesser known styles, which we believe will provide more choice for our customers.

What feedback have you been receiving from customers? And how has this helped you to direct the business? We have been listening to the feedback that we have had from our customers regarding specific designs of urns and costing, so our new range will be aimed at this market. We have also listened to what the customer requires regarding new mortuary equipment, and we will be launching a whole new mortuary concept next year at the NFE 2013. What has been your proudest achievement in the last year? Our proudest moment in the last 12 months is the founding of the Embalmer Training School, which provides many different courses such as Derma Pro cosmetics and embalmer training. We are pleased to announce that we are setting up an international qualification with the Pittsburgh Institute of Mortuary Science and the HEA in the UK. This will be the first of its kind and the theory is internetbased with practical training in London, Edinburgh and, from November 2012, the Midlands. We believe this to be a unique and bold step forward. What are your plans for Omega Supplies for the remainder of 2012? We are in the process of building further warehouses. Once these have finally been completed, we will be acquiring new machinery to enable us to produce products more effectively, and this will help to reduce the cost to the funeral sector. We also have several new products that we aim to release this year including complete new product lines.

Omega Supplies has been very busy this year looking for ways to improve and expand the business

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CMY

19/05/2011

16:45

ONLINE TRIBUTES

Web of charity Louise Hoffman takes a look at a few of the online

tribute services that are available, both to recommend to your clients and in some cases to partner with

he ‘web’ is true to its name, allowing people to forge links with each other around the globe in a way that has never before been possible. It helps to maintain relationships; keeps people informed; and makes a lot of aspects of life that bit easier – bank transfers and shopping, for example. It has its pitfalls and negative aspects – as convenient as online purchases may be, they are of course posing problems for our high streets – but one may argue that this is just another example of society’s evolution, which we must catch up with and accommodate. And catching up is exactly what we are doing; the internet has seen a 528 per cent growth in usage between 2000 and 2011, with almost one third of the earth’s population now using the internet – that’s more than 2.2 billion people (Miniwatts Marketing Group World Internet Usage Statistics; data recorded 31 December 2011). The charitable sector is one that is utilising the internet to its full potential, with many charities choosing to raise awareness of their causes through effective online marketing strategies and by making information about their work readily available. In addition, enabling donations to be made online both encourages more people to donate, and makes life easier for those who choose to do so. Another concept that we have seen introduced and developed over the past few years is the online tribute, which allows bereaved family members and friends not only to donate to charities in memory of their loved ones, but in many cases create online books of remembrance and other features. MuchLoved is the UK bereavement charity that has pioneered the development of online tribute sites over the last decade. The charity was established by Jonathan Davies after the sudden death of his brother Philip in 1995, whilst an undergraduate at Birmingham University. Jonathan had wanted to create a tribute website to express his feelings of grief and to encourage communication between those affected by Philip’s death, however he found no suitable service existed and so set about creating his own. MuchLoved now hosts well over 20,000 tribute websites for nearly 100,000 users, as more and more bereaved people choose to set up their own tribute site – user levels which Jonathan says are both “an immense privilege and responsibility.” He believes that the success of MuchLoved is particularly down to its focus on grief support and its sensitive style. Users are able to keep their tributes private and have complete control over the design and content at all times, and the service is also free to use. Features include life stories, picture slideshows, video tributes, timeline and virtual candles, plus there is a network of online remembrance gardens in which to display tributes. Users are also able to fundraise in memory for any UK charity through their tribute site, and to date almost £3 million has been raised. Partners include charities such as Barnardos, UNICEF and the Motor Neurone Disease Association, as well as funeral directors such as Richard Steel & Partners and Rosedale Funeral Home. World Vision is a charity which also offers an interactive online book of remembrance to enable grieving families to create a personalised tribute for their loved ones. Visitors can add contributions to a tribute page by recording a message of condolence, sharing a special story or adding a favourite photo. The service also offers visitors the chance to make a

ONLINE TRIBUTES

donation in support of World Vision’s work with children living in some of the world’s hardest places. “We hope that a personal tribute in our World Vision Book of Remembrance will provide a positive way for family and friends to celebrate the life of a loved one,” says Karen Bissaker, remembrance gifts manager at World Vision UK. JustGiving statistics show that the number of people motivated to fundraise by the loss of friends or family has surged over the past three years; increasing from around 4,500 per year in 2008 to over 12,000 in 2011. In February, the organisation launched JustGiving In Memory, which it says is “the first tool to bring together all of the fundraising activities taking place in memory of a loved one into a single online tribute.” Fundraisers are able to create a JustGiving In Memory page in remembrance of a loved one, and whether they’re simply calling for donations or preparing for a challenge event, all fundraising efforts are automatically added to an In Memory Collection page. Fundraisers and supporters are then able to see all of the achievements and donations collected in memory of someone, while charities will receive enriched reporting to help them tailor their supporter care. Elizabeth Kessick, head of insights at JustGiving, comments: “As we live and share more of our lives online, we’re inevitably starting to look for the best way to remember our loved ones in death in the same way. “Following extensive research among charities and fundraisers, we’ve developed a brand new in-memory offering, which we hope will provide a positive answer to the age-old question of ‘Is there anything I can do?’ in the online space, and give those who have lost loved ones a lasting place to celebrate fundraising achievements in their memory.” Peter Strain of Intimations Online cites the primary function of his website as being to help inform family, friends and the community about the death and funeral arrangements of a loved one. “The website came about as a result of my own experiences of trying to ensure that the extended family and friends of my relatives were informed

Information Friends and Relations: www.friendsandrelations.com JustGiving: www.justgiving.com Intimations Online: www.intimations-online.co.uk MuchLoved: www.muchloved.com or www.muchlovedpartners.com World Vision: www.worldvision.org.uk/bookofremembrance

about a death and funeral arrangements, and given the opportunity to pay their final respects. It seems a natural progression that as we rely on the internet for all sorts of information, we should be able to find information about a person’s funeral arrangements there as well. “As we began to develop the site, we looked at other areas where we could improve the experience of the bereaved. We were aware that families and friends are often at a loss as to how to show their appreciation for the care a loved one has received, or to express their sympathy,” he continues. “Some find comfort from giving donations to charity, and so we decided to include a link from the notices to facilitate the collection of donations in memory of the deceased. The families can include a book of condolence, which allows friends and family to leave messages of sympathy and support and may encourage additional donations, and we have also included a directory where charities can appeal for fundraising and showcase their work.” The idea for friendsandrelations.com originated when its founder, Jonathan Haward, lost a brother in an RAF flying accident. Receiving photos the family had never seen before inspired him to create an online page where his brother’s children could see their father. This page was so well received that the friendsandrelations.com website was established, designed to help other families celebrate the lives of loved ones in a positive, enduring way. Fully-moderated online ‘Celebration Pages’ can be filled with stories, photos, videos and anecdotes from friends and family, wherever they might be in the world, providing enormous comfort at any time of the day or night, and particularly on special occasions such as birthdays and anniversaries. Users can also record family history for generations to come, and raise money in memory of their loved ones for nominated charities via direct links from the Celebration Pages. “But what makes Friends and Relations entirely unique is the creation of bespoke online memorial books,” says Jonathan. “We can help you to create your own, fully-branded online memorial book, allowing you to give something back to your clients.”

CHARITY SPECIAL

Behind the scenes Memorial funds are an invaluable source of comfort for many bereaved families, and Leigh Slocombe, chief executive of Epilepsy Research UK, outlines the donation process from a charity’s perspective

n memoriam donations have always been an important part of Epilepsy Research UK’s fundraising income, and several years ago, in common with many other charities, we introduced named memorial funds. For us there are two very distinct types of in memoriam donations: the majority are in memory of an older person who either had the condition or was related to someone else who was affected by it; while the others are in memory of someone who died as a direct result of it. With the deaths often being very sudden and unexpected, they obviously have a huge impact on the families they leave behind, and these are the families that tend to establish memorial funds as a way of honouring their loved ones. Occasionally people contact us before a funeral and ask for collection envelopes or have looked on our website and are interested in setting up a memorial fund, but in most cases they choose to support us when they are arranging the funeral, having seen our adverts in publications like Funeral Service Times, and the first we know of their support is when the donation arrives in the post.

When we receive an in memoriam donation we endeavour to respond to the donation as promptly and sensitively as possible, making reference to the deceased’s name and relationship to the donor so that the thank you letter is personalised. The donor’s record is also flagged on the database to ensure that they are not automatically included in the next direct mail appeal, as we feel it is important no-one should feel pestered for donations. Within the thank you letter, the donor is offered the opportunity to establish a memorial fund, but whether they do so or not is obviously a matter of personal choice and circumstances, and we leave it entirely to him or her to decide. We list our in memoriam donations in our donor newsletter, as people like to see their loved one’s name remembered in this way. Some donations are one-offs, while other donors continue to support us on a regular basis, but we tend to have a much closer relationship with those people who set up memorial funds as they are often very proactive in their fundraising. We are constantly amazed and humbled by the way in which people commit themselves

to organising fundraising events on our behalf in the midst of their grief. Many have told us, however, that it is the process of doing something positive in their loved one’s name that helps them through their loss, and they take comfort in preserving that name. Some memorial fund co-ordinators organise events to bring their family and friends together, and the variety of ways that people fundraise for their memorial fund is incredible. We have had teams of runners in events such as the Bupa Great Manchester Run; gala balls for hundreds of guests; and one family even arranged a trek in the Himalayas! We feel hugely honoured that people have such faith in our work and trust us to spend the money raised in their loved one’s name wisely. It is also very gratifying to know that, even in their darkest times, people take the time to think of us and support our work. I’m sure this is a feeling that is shared by every charity that benefits from in memoriam donations, and on behalf of all charities I would like to thank donors for their support, and the funeral directors who help facilitate this key area of charitable fundraising.

Charity special

For the love of birds Audrey Russell, the RSPB’s in-memoriam

officer, discusses the very special connection that some people have with the birds in their garden

“For people who love nature, a donation to the RSPB in lieu of flowers is the ideal tribute”

or some people, feeding garden birds is more than just a fun activity – it is a responsibility. They have a personal relationship with the birds that visit their garden. They recognise the same cheeky robin that comes to their bird table every morning, and the little blue tit that waits for the great tits to clear off before it flits to the feeder. I knew a woman who had a blackbird that would sit on her windowsill and peck at the glass in the morning if she was a little late putting out his breakfast. I love my job, because every day I hear stories about people like this – people who really appreciate these daily interactions with birds. I hear these stories from their sons and daughters who miss them terribly because they’re no longer around. For these people, birds are a very special connection to the one they have lost. A gift in memory When I’m talking to a bereaved family member, I gently encourage them to talk about their lost loved one. You can hear them relaxing, once they’ve given themselves permission to talk about their loss. You can hear their voice getting warmer. I ask them whether their lost parent or grandparent had a favourite bird, and so often they talk about specific birds, as if they too were members of the family – her robin; his starlings. When people call me, it’s because they want to make a gift to the RSPB in memory

of a lost loved one. They have got in touch because they know that nothing would have made their gran or their dad happier than to know that the birds they cared about will be protected in their name. “He worried about who would look after his birds when he was gone,” they often say. A voice for nature The RSPB has been saving wild birds and wildlife, and the special places it lives, for more than 120 years. Our nature reserves – more than 200 of them – are some of the best places to see wildlife in the UK. We work to save threatened species at home and overseas; from house sparrows and skylarks, to white-tailed eagles and albatrosses. We’re a voice for all nature – our work to save precious habitats such as heathland, reedbeds and even tropical rainforests, helps species from great yellow bumblebees to Sumatran tigers, too. As a charity, we depend on donations to be able to carry out this vital work. For people who love nature, a donation to the RSPB in lieu of flowers is the ideal tribute. A personal touch I am the single point of contact for everyone wanting to make in-memoriam gifts to the RSPB across the whole of the UK. I work with families and funeral directors to make the whole process smooth and simple. I even produce personalised pew cards with the

deceased’s name on, which the family can send with the funeral invitation, or place on pews at the service, to let friends and family members know of their wish for gifts to go to the RSPB. There are also Tribute Feather Funds, which I administer. These are regular monthly or annual donations, which people often arrange to be made on a special anniversary or birthday. After the funeral, I always write to the funeral directors to thank them for their help, and to the family to let them know how much money was raised in the name of their loved one. It’s a good feeling, knowing that I’ve done my bit to help, because I too am one of those people who feel a special connection with the birds in my garden. They’re not just birds, but companions. To find out more about making inmemoriam gifts to the RSPB, or setting up a Tribute Feather Fund, visit the website, or call Audrey Russell direct on the number shown below. The RSPB UK Headquarters The Lodge Sandy Bedfordshire SG19 2DL Tel: 01767 693 144 Web: www.rspb.org.uk/inmemory

Charity Special

A guiding light G

uide Dogs Tribute Funds are a way for clients to celebrate the lives of their loved ones, and to help Guide Dogs change lives. We’re often asked how our guide dog puppies are named. The answer is that most of our litters have names starting with the same letter of the alphabet – however, some very special puppies are named in memory through a Guide Dogs Tribute Fund. By setting up a Tribute Fund, supporters have a permanent place for all donations made in their loved one’s memory. Often this starts with a collection at a funeral, and many people go on to use a Tribute Fund to raise money to name a puppy, which will hopefully go on to transform the life of someone with sight loss. However it’s used, the Tribute Fund

is a wonderful way to remember a life by changing life. For example, the Gary Ratcliffe Tribute Fund was set up in 2004 by Gary’s wife, Sue. The Fund was started with donations in lieu of flowers at his funeral, and since then it has gone from strength to strength. Gary’s friends and family have held charity golf days, annual sponsored walks, musical tribute nights, and for Sue’s 40th birthday, she asked for donations rather than gifts. So far the fund has raised £105,000, which is amazing, and Sue has named 21 guide dog pups. All of their names have a connection with Gary’s life and fundraising planning is still underway for many future puppies! As Sue sums up, “nothing can bring Gary

back or fill the huge void left behind, but by raising these funds and naming the puppies, we are keeping Gary’s memory very much alive. “It gives us such a feeling of pride knowing how we’re helping other people with Gary’s Tribute Fund.” For more information, or to request leaflets on Tribute Funds, please contact the Gifts in Memory team using the contact details below.

Guide Dogs Tel: 0845 603 1477 Email: tributefunds@guidedogs.org.uk

Charity Special

Every step of the way M

any people affected by cancer depend on the vital support that Macmillan provides. Cancer is the toughest fight most people will ever face. But they don’t have to go through it alone. The Macmillan team is there every step of the way. We are the nurses and therapists helping people through treatment; the experts on the end of the phone; the advisors telling people which benefits they’re entitled to; the volunteers giving a hand with the everyday things; the campaigners improving cancer care; the support people need through their bereavement; and the fundraisers who make it all possible. Two million people in the UK today have had a cancer diagnosis. By 2030, this will

have grown to four million. We want to be there for every one of them every step of the way. But tomorrow’s cancer care will depend hugely on the gifts that people give us today. Many people who get involved with Macmillan in memory of a loved one find it helps them to cope with their loss. However, they might still need support. Macmillan is here for people who’ve lost someone, for as long as they need us. If you come across anyone who could use our support, please let them know that they can call the Macmillan Support Line free on 0808 808 0000 (Monday to Friday, 9am to 8pm). Funeral directors play a fundamental role in getting donations to Macmillan and ensuring we can support many more people with

cancer and their families. If your clients wish to make a donation to Macmillan in memory of their loved one, they can use the contact details below. We simply couldn’t do what we do without your continued help. Thank you.

Macmillan Cancer Support Supporter Donations FREEPOST LON15851 89 Albert Embankment London SE1 7UQ Tel: 0300 100 0200 Email: fundraising@macmillan.org.uk

CHARITY SPECIAL

Making the difference

The British Kidney Patient Association outlines the variety of ways in which it can help to improve quality of life for kidney patients, thanks to charitable donations

he British Kidney Patient Association (BKPA) is the leading grant-giving organisation for kidney patients in the UK. Every year increasing numbers of kidney patients and families who are finding it difficult to cope financially are coming to the charity for support. Some patients are too unwell to work, while for others, being on dialysis in hospital three days a week means that few employers are interested in taking them on – especially when hospital appointments or illness can also interrupt work. Making ends meet can be hard for both couples and families. Whether it’s £200 towards personal heating costs, £400 towards travel costs, or £700 towards a holiday, the BKPA will help patients in need. Personal grants Christopher is 20 years old and suffers from a genetic disease called Wolfram Syndrome, which has resulted in kidney failure, diabetes and blindness. With the help of his social worker, he asked the BKPA for a laptop computer with a special talk package, plus costs towards the travel for attending a training programme about managing longterm illness. As social worker Jo Hall says, “the BKPA’s kindness never ceases to amaze me. The charity has made such a difference to so many of the people I work with and the patient grants really do save lives. I always know the dedicated staff at the BKPA will take the time to listen to each patient’s story, and if they can help in any way they will, without hesitation.” Funding short breaks Every year, the BKPA funds over 350 short breaks and holidays for kidney patients and their families. For example, Rosemarie who is disabled and totally housebound received a grant to help her visit family and relatives in Jamaica. “I can’t tell you what it was like to see the sun and to get away from a life of having dialysis as my only outing during the week.” With a grant of £35,000 from the BKPA, the Dudley Kidney Patients’ Association (KPA) bought a caravan for members to use in Torbay. “It’s booked up every week from April to October and our patients and families just love it! For many who need a low cost holiday it’s a welcome break from hospital visits and daily routines,” says Judith Sidaway, secretary of the Dudley KPA. Transplant Games There are also patients whose main holiday each year involves taking part in the British Transplant Games. Last year, the BKPA supported more participants than ever and over £21,000 of support was given to adults and children who have had kidney transplants and want to take part. As Grainne Walsh of Evelina Children’s Hospital says, “the Games are such a great opportunity to provide a supportive environment away from the hospital, where families quickly realise they’re not alone and many support each other long after the Games weekend has ended.”

Supporting kidney units It’s not just patients who are helped by the BKPA – the charity also provides funding for a large number of exciting new projects in hospitals around the UK that help improve care and quality of life for patients. For example the charity funds over 30 staff posts that the NHS will not support, as well as answering requests for any service improvements – from television sets for the dialysis unit to very significant grants to help build new facilities, as is the case with the charity’s support of the new kidney unit at Great Ormond Street Hospital. Over the next few years, the BKPA aims to double the grants that it is currently giving, and to do that it needs to keep fundraising and expand support from donations and legacies.

The BKPA works to improve the quality of life for adults and children in the UK with kidney disease. • We provide information, support and advice. • We give grants to help those in financial difficulty. • We provide financial support to many kidney units throughout the UK.

The British Kidney Patient Association 3 The Windmills St Mary’s Close Turk Street Alton GU34 1EF Tel: 01420 541 424 Email: info@britishkidney-pa.co.uk Web: www.britishkidney-pa.co.uk A Charitable Company limited by Guarantee No 270288

CHARITY SPECIAL

Securing the future I

n some cultures, owls are held to be the souls of departed people. The sight of a barn owl gliding silently over a field at dawn or dusk is certainly spiritually moving. At the Hawk and Owl Trust, we welcome the sight – and sound – of owls and other wild birds of prey, and our work is dedicated to helping them survive. Apart from being wonderful creatures, they are among the best indicators of the health of the environment, giving early warning of pollution and habitat deterioration because of their position at the top of the food chain. Their future is therefore the future of all wildlife. But such sights cannot be taken for granted. At the last count there were only 4,000 breeding pairs of barn owls throughout Britain – nearly 70 per cent fewer than in the 1930s.

As well as the barn owl, the endearing little owl, the elusive long-eared owl, the kestrel (once familiar but now declining), the peregrine, the marsh harrier, the merlin and the hobby all benefit from our work, but face many threats. Although legally protected, they are vulnerable to mounting human pressures. Habitats are destroyed or damaged. Birds of prey also suffer from pollution, road deaths, poisons, direct persecution and nest robbing. The Hawk and Owl Trust is a national charity that has been working for the conservation and appreciation of wild birds of prey and their habitats since 1969. Reversing the loss of feeding grounds – both through our own reserves and elsewhere – is an important part of our efforts, along with putting up nest boxes to compensate for the

lack of traditional nesting sites. We support practical research and encourage better understanding of the importance of these special birds through education and community projects. We also take a robust position against those who break the law by persecuting birds of prey. Our work depends on donations. Your clients will be helping owls and other birds of prey continue to fly free in the wild, making a fitting tribute to someone who loved and admired these wonderful creatures. The Hawk and Owl Trust Tel: 0844 984 2824 Email: linda.matthews@hawkandowl.org Web: www.hawkandowl.org/inmemory

CHARITY SPECIAL

Finding a cure N

o one enjoys the thought of going to a funeral, especially when it is the funeral of a child, a young adult, or a parent leaving young children behind. In the UK more children and people under the age of 40 die of a brain tumour than any other cancer. That is why we need your help. • 16,000 people in the UK are diagnosed with a brain tumour each year. • Only 14 per cent survive beyond five years, compared to 50 per cent for all other cancers (and this statistic has not changed for over a generation). • 25 per cent of all cancers spread to the brain. • Yet brain tumour research receives less than one per cent (0.7 per cent) of the national spend on cancer. Our vision is simple – to find a cure for brain tumours.

Our mission is to fund dedicated centres of brain tumour research across the UK, to make a clinical difference and improve the outcomes for brain tumour patients and their families. We receive no government funding and rely entirely on the generosity of individuals and the support of organisations to help us fund the research that is so desperately needed. Funeral directors play a vital role in collecting in memoriam donations on our behalf and contribute significantly to the funds that we raise for research into this devastating disease. A dedicated brain tumour research centre needs some £1 million funding per year. That’s £2,740 per day. All donations, however small, are desperately needed. Donations in memory of an individual can be added together to fund a day of research. Funding a day of

research enables the deceased’s family to place a lasting memorial on our Wall of Hope on a date of their choice and display a message of their choice. The date and message are also replicated on an elegant curved glass keepsake, which we give to the family – a fitting tribute to a loved one. When considering a memorial collection, please think about Brain Tumour Research and help us to find a cure.

Brain Tumour Research Tel: 01296 733 011 Email: info@braintumourresearch.org Web: www.braintumourresearch.org Registered Charity No 1093411

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Four reasons to recommend remembrance funds to your client: 1. No administration costs for you as family and friends of the bereaved can donate direct online, saving you time to focus on your clientsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; needs. 2. Ongoing support when your clients need it. 3. All donations and money raised in memory of a loved one are added to the Fund. 4. A dedicated website enabling family and friends to upload pictures, leave messages or make an instant donation on a memorable occasion. Every five minutes someone in the UK has a stroke. The Stroke Association is the only national charity solely concerned with combating stroke in people of all ages. Our

vision is to have a world where there are fewer strokes and all those touched by stroke get the help they need. We are passionate about funding research into stroke prevention, treatment and long-term care, and Remembrance Funds enable us to do this. If you and your client would like to find out more, please use the contact details below. The Stroke Association Tel: 01604 687 783 Email: remembrancefund@stroke.org.uk Web: remembrancefunds.stroke.org.uk The Stroke Association is a Company limited by Guarantee, registered in England and Wales (No 61274). Registered office: Stroke Association House, 240 City Road, London EC1V 2PR. Registered as a Charity in England and Wales (No 211015) and in Scotland (SC037789). Also registered in the Isle of Man (No 945) Jersey (NPO 369) and in Northern Ireland.

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Remembering a loved one L

osing a loved one can be devastating for those left behind. For many though, there can be some consolation in knowing that they can pay tribute to their loved one’s life by donating to a worthwhile cause that will help to save and improve people’s lives for generations to come. The UK Stem Cell Foundation (UKSCF) is a medical research charity, raising funding for stem cell research that has the potential to treat a wide range of conditions and diseases within a five-year period. Stem cells have the greatest potential to treat conditions that affect us all – diabetes, Multiple Sclerosis, Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s, arthritis, blindness, spinal cord damage, liver, stroke and heart disease. UKSCF chief executive Lil Shortland says:

“Much progress has been made in stem cell research, but the work of our researchers is being held back due to a lack of funding that enables their early stage research to reach clinical trial. We are so close to a breakthrough with some of our projects, but we desperately need more donations to make this happen. By supporting the UKSCF, you can help to make a difference to the lives of millions of people who are affected by devastating conditions and illnesses. “Some people who have lost a loved one have chosen to pay tribute to their life by asking friends and family to make a donation to the Foundation rather than sending flowers. We also offer the opportunity to set up an ‘in memory’ web page, where they can tell the story of the person they

are remembering and explain why they are raising money for the Foundation in their memory. This can be done by logging on to www.justgiving.com/ukscf/remember.” For further information about giving in memory, please contact us using the details below.

UK Stem Cell Foundation Tel: 0207 491 6566 Email: info@ukscf.org Web: www.ukscf.org

Charity Special

In loving memory Anne Baxter will always be grateful for the joy and happy memories her husband Alan gave her. She explains how a Gift of Hope fund with the British Heart Foundation is helping her to deal with her loss

nne Baxter used to feel unbelievably lucky every day that she woke up with her husband, Alan. She describes him as “fabulous, kind, loving, handsome, and the perfect gentleman; beautiful inside and out.” When he died in 2006, from a sudden heart attack while the couple were out walking, it was a devastating blow. Anne, 63, from Wallsend, Tyne and Wear, says: “Alan was 67 and there had been no indication of any heart problems. He’d recovered from prostate cancer the year before after a year-long battle. When you get over something like that, you feel great; you think you’ve beaten this and now you can do anything. So the shock and suddenness were unimaginable.” An inspiration Anne had recently become aware that heart disease could affect babies and children as well as older people, and she decided to hold a collection in aid of the British Heart Foundation (BHF) at Alan’s funeral. Later she set up a Gift of Hope – a BHF fund with an online tribute page – in Alan’s memory, and has gained hope and inspiration from this. Anne, who worked as a council secretary before leaving to concentrate on voluntary work, says: “You can visit the site at any time of the day, any time of the year. You can express your feelings and take comfort from it, and other people can visit it, too. “It keeps me going. It gives you something to aim for. At first it was £1,000, and then when I got to £5,000 I couldn’t believe it. Now I’m striving towards £10,000. “I started it off by holding a car boot sale,

and I make donations for occasions such as his birthday, our anniversary and Valentine’s Day.” In addition, Anne has raised several hundreds of pounds via donations to the local BHF charity shop. A way of coping Anne isn’t alone. For many people, giving in tribute is a part of how they cope with bereavement and a way of showing that they are still thinking about their loved one. A Gift of Hope tribute fund can help to inspire friends and family to do something positive in the face of bereavement and to remember the person who has gone. As Anne says, “I’m really proud of our Gift of Hope page; I feel it shows how special our time together was. Most importantly, it captures the spirit of Alan – how wonderful he was and how much he enriched the lives of those lucky enough to have been a part of his. “Knowing that money raised will go towards preventing others from suffering the trauma that I did helps to make it all worthwhile.” How to set up a fund The BHF’s new Gift of Hope website allows family and friends to fundraise for the BHF in memory of a loved one. It can be started before or after the funeral and is there as a permanent tribute to him to her. To personalise a page, users can add any information they like, such as pictures or videos, or messages from family and friends in a visitor’s book. They can also choose whether the amount of each donation is displayed, and each donation can be

accompanied with a personal message. A personal way to support Fund holders can give to particular areas of their own or their loved ones’ interests, making the fund all the more special. Your clients can choose to support any one of the following areas of the BHF’s work: 1. Research into heart disease: Our team of BHF professors, scientists and doctors play a leading role in the fight against heart and circulatory disease by carrying out pioneering, world-class research. 2. Research helping children: Every day in the UK, around 12 babies are born with a heart defect. Nearly 50 years ago only one child in five reached adulthood; now it’s four in five. We are working hard towards building a future where no one dies prematurely from heart disease. 3. BHF heart nurses: Choosing to support our BHF nurses can provide many hours of specialist care to improve the physical and emotional health of heart patients, their families and carers. 4. Or support our work wherever the need is greatest. To set up a fund or to find out more information, please contact Ali, our Gift of Hope administrator, using the contact details below. British Heart Foundation Tel: 0844 847 2787 (Mon to Fri, 9am to 5pm) Email: hope@bhf.org.uk Web: www.lastinghope.bhf.org.uk

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Care and protection N

orfolk-based charity Redwings Horse Sanctuary was established in 1984 and works across the UK to provide and promote the welfare, care and protection of horses, ponies, donkeys and mules. Its work covers three main themes: rescue and rehabilitation; specialist sanctuary care; and prevention through education. It relies entirely on public donation and receives no government funding. Redwings currently cares for 1,200 horses, ponies and donkeys that no longer have a working life but retain a quality of life. Those with the potential for a working life are re-homed through the charity’s Guardianship scheme, and currently around 500 horses and ponies are enjoying active lives in Guardian homes across the east of England.

To meet the needs of such a large population of resident horses in the Sanctuary requires a very high level of veterinary care. The charity’s in-house veterinary facility has an X-ray room and operating theatre, intensive care stables and pharmacy, with five full-time vets and a team of nurses providing round-the-clock veterinary support. Meanwhile dedicated care staff are there to check on all of the horses at least twice a day, and a Nights Welfare team ensures they have a safe and comfortable night. As well as its resident population, Redwings’ dedicated welfare team responds to thousands of calls annually to its Welfare Hotline and investigates over 700 cases across the UK each year where the welfare of a horse is a cause for concern, taking action

where appropriate and bringing around 150 to 200 new arrivals into the Sanctuary each year. Redwings also seeks to promote a philosophy of prevention through education by producing information leaflets and attending events to spread better understanding of the responsibilities of horse ownership. Redwings has visitor centres in Norfolk, Essex and Warwickshire where you can meet the residents, find out more about the work of the charity and discover how you can get involved. Redwings Horse Sanctuary Tel: 0870 040 0033 Web: www.redwings.co.uk

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Respite with a difference F

or the hundreds of thousands of disabled people and carers throughout the UK, a regular break from the daily routine can make the difference between coping and despair. Yet it’s often those in most desperate need of respite who are the least able to access it. The charity Vitalise came into being to address this real and pressing need. Vitalise provides desperately-needed, subsidised breaks for disabled people and carers at three accessible centres around the UK, with 24-hour care-on-call and personal support. Driven by the conviction that disabled people and carers should have exactly the same opportunities and choices as everybody else, the charity endeavours to offer the absolute antithesis of conventional notions

of respite care. It achieves this by providing a completely accessible and non-institutional environment, with a choice of activities, real independence, social inclusion – and fun! Disabled Vitalise guest Alex Burke explains what her breaks means to her: “I become a different person when I’m there. I forget my wheelchair exists and I come back thinking ‘I can survive’. There’s nowhere else I feel so relaxed; so cared for. For the small amount of time I’m there, I’m safe; I’m free; I’m human.” Providing such a unique service costs Vitalise millions of pounds each year, yet the charity receives no funding at all from central government. This is why Vitalise relies heavily on the generosity – through legacies and donations – of individual

supporters in order to continue providing its vital services. Making a donation in memory of a loved one is a positive way of commemorating a life, and your clients can establish an ongoing Tribute Fund so that they can give occasional or regular gifts. For more information about legacy and in memoriam giving, please contact Tony Parker using the details below.

Vitalise Tel: 0207 288 6880 Email: tparker@vitalise.org.uk Web: www.vitalise.org.uk

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Care and support O

ver six million people in the UK care unpaid for an ill, frail or disabled family member or friend, but without the right support caring can have a devastating impact, often causing ill health, poverty and social isolation. Caring for our loved ones is something that will affect each and every one of us at some point in our lives, and when caring affects you and your family, Carers UK is here for you. Carers UK is a charity set up to help the millions of people who care for family or friends. It provides expert advice, information and support so that carers can get the best for themselves and those they care for. If your clients or their loved ones have been affected by caring, a gift in memory can be a wonderful tribute. Bessie Wood explains why she chose to support Carers UK through a collection at her husband’s funeral: “Having worked in the

medical profession all my life, I was always aware of Carers UK, but it wasn’t until I became a carer myself that I realised the full extent of what they did. “When my husband was diagnosed with cancer I gave up my job immediately to nurse him through his illness, and contacted Carers UK’s AdviceLine straight away to see if I was entitled to any support. They guided me through the benefits maze, helped me maximise my income, and signposted me to their local branch, which became my lifeline. Without their help I am not sure how I would have coped. “I know many carers struggle without the right support and information, and raising money in memory of my husband is a wonderful legacy that can help ensure Carers UK’s work continues and that they can help more people like me.” If your clients would like to raise money in

memory of a loved one (or if they would like advice about being a carer), please contact us using the details below.

Carers UK Tel: 0207 378 4952 Email: inmemory@carersuk.org AdviceLine (for carers): 0808 808 7777

Charity Special

The thief of sight I

t is estimated that more than 600,000 people have glaucoma in the UK – it’s one of the leading causes of preventable blindness. Unfortunately, only half of those with the condition have been diagnosed; the other half are slowly losing their sight without realising it. This is because glaucoma typically has no symptoms in its early stages, which is why glaucoma is often called the ‘thief of sight’. Early diagnosis is key, since vision lost to glaucoma cannot be recovered. The International Glaucoma Association: informing – supporting – caring The International Glaucoma Association (IGA) is the charity for people with glaucoma. We play a vital part in helping people to save their sight. Our mission is to raise awareness of glaucoma; to promote research related to early diagnosis and treatment; and to provide support to patients and all those who care for them.

We are funded entirely by voluntary donations and membership – we do not receive government or statutory funding – and our services are provided free of charge to anyone who needs them. We understand that the loss of a loved one is a difficult time. Our lasting memories of those we have lost are priceless. Your clients’ help can ensure that all of our services remain free of charge for many years to come. This includes the provision of free patient literature in hospitals; our helpline (Sightline); the organisation of support groups around the UK; and funding important clinical research that could free future generations from glaucoma. Leaving a donation of this kind will make a difference to the lives of many now and in the future. Every gift will make a difference. Thank you very much for your support. For more information about glaucoma, the IGA or how to make a gift in memory, please use the contact details on the right.

International Glaucoma Association The Charity for People with Glaucoma Woodcote House 15 Highpoint Business Village Henwood Ashford Kent TN24 8DH Sightline: 01233 648 170 Administration: 01233 648 164 Email: info@iga.org.uk Web: www.glaucoma-association.com Charity registered in England & Wales No 274681, and in Scotland No SC041550

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ou probably don’t need to be told that Alzheimer’s disease is a terrible illness. It destroys memory and relationships and causes profound suffering for everyone involved. It was often regarded as a normal part of old age, but it isn’t, despite being alarmingly common in elderly people. It used to be assumed that it was incurable, but scientists have been making astonishing progress over the last 20 years. Within the next few years, scientists expect to be able to slow or even stop the development of the illness. Combine this with progress towards earlier and more accurate diagnosis and there is real cause for hope. By supporting BRACE, you can help realise that hope. BRACE was a pioneer in this field when it was founded in 1987. It is still funding researchers at the international forefront of the fight against Alzheimer’s and has made a crucial contribution to progress in the last 25 years. Alzheimer’s disease is the most common form of dementia, accounting for about 60 per cent of cases. Other common forms include vascular dementia and dementia with Lewy bodies. BRACE is currently funding research into all three types. BRACE is a regional charity that is helping

Funding Alzheimer’s research to fight a global problem. We currently support researchers at the Universities of Bristol, Bath, Cardiff and the West of England (UWE). The work that they are doing could help spare millions of people around the world from terrible suffering. Your clients can help us to win this fight by donating money. We often receive memorial donations from the friends and family of people who have died with dementia. It allows them to remember their loved ones by helping to ensure that others will not have to suffer as they did.

BRACE The BRACE Appeal Office (FST) Frenchay Hospital Bristol BS16 1LE Tel: 0117 340 4831 Email: admin@alzheimers-brace.org Web: www.alzheimers-brace.org

Charity Special term projects on which we focus our fundraising efforts. One recent project of this nature was the refurbishment of the Kidney Wales Children’s Centre to modernise the unit, making it more user-friendly and a more pleasurable place for the children and their families. Supporting research into kidney disease is one of the charity’s core missions and objectives. The Kidney Wales Foundation’s ongoing commitment to funding world-class research has seen the charity invest over £1 million to support renal research in Wales over the past decade, last year launching a £100,000 per year research fund, which aims to tackle the causes of kidney disease head on. Image: Pediatric renal social worker Jo Fearn

Image: Patient Morgan O’Keefe with his dad Matt

A lasting legacy

Kidney Wales Foundation discusses its

work to support those affected by renal failure, and the legacies that help to save lives

he Kidney Wales Foundation’s strategic aim is to support patients and families and to promote excellence in renal research. Although dialysis is a life-saving procedure that many kidney patients depend on, an unfortunate consequence is that it can also prove to be an expensive means of regulating the condition. Essential costs such as travel to and from the dialysis unit can mount up, and childcare for parents who dialyse can often be an added burden, as well as food costs for specialist diets. For younger patients, a break from treatment in the form of a fun day out can often provide some light relief, not only for the patient but also for their siblings and the whole family. Kidney Wales often provides support by arranging day trips to theme parks, birthday parties and an annual Christmas party for the children of the Kidney Wales Children’s Centre in the University Hospital of Wales, Cardiff. For children and teenagers on dialysis, missing school can be a problem. So that children don’t miss out on their education, Kidney Wales funds a tutor who provides learning support in the Kidney Wales Children’s Centre. Kidney Wales also receives requests to fund specific projects as well as individual requests for support from various renal units across Wales. This includes long-

Leaving a legacy to Kidney Wales Kidney Wales Foundation receives no grants or government funding. We can only continue our fight against kidney disease and work to support families affected by renal failure with your support. By leaving a legacy to Kidney Wales Foundation, your clients will be helping to save lives today, tomorrow and in the future. As a registered charity, Kidney Wales is exempt from inheritance tax, capital gains tax and income tax, so we receive the full value of every gift that is left to us. There are many ways to leave Kidney Wales a legacy. If your clients have already made a will, but would like to leave a gift, they can do so by making a simple addition to their existing will. If they do not have a will at the present time, we recommend that they seek the advice of a solicitor. Although they will have to pay a fee, they will receive sound professional advice and can be sure that their wishes will be carried out. There are two different types of legacy: • A pecuniary legacy, which is a gift of a fixed sum of money. There is no minimum amount that can be left. • A residuary legacy, which is a gift of the whole or a share of whatever remains of an estate once loved ones have been provided for and any debts have been paid off. One of the most important ways to help us continue funding research is by leaving a gift in a will. This is the best way to make sure a cause that someone cares about continues to save lives well into the future. Thanks to gifts in wills, we have been involved in numerous research and support programmes that have led to a better understanding of kidney disease and better treatments for people who are struck down by the condition. Over the last four decades Kidney Wales Foundation has contributed to many developments that are now saving lives here in Wales. For further information about the charity and how your support can make a difference, please contact Chris Connell using the details below. Kidney Wales Foundation 1 Radnor Court 256 Cowbridge Road East Cardiff CF5 1GZ Tel: 029 2934 3940 Email: chris@kidneywales.com Web: www.kidneywales.com Charity No 700396

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Sound advice O

ne in seven people in the UK are deaf or hard of hearing, but because hearing loss is invisible, it is easy to underestimate how many are affected and how devastating it can be. For millions of people who gradually lose their hearing as they get older, deafness can bring intense frustration and isolation, cutting them off from friends and family just when they need them most. And, for half a million people, their permanent tinnitus is so bad that they are unable to lead a normal life. Deafness Research UK is the only national charity in the UK dedicated to improving treatments and finding cures for hearing impairments such as these. How we help Research: Deafness Research UK supports a number of exciting projects, for example the development of cochlear implants, and

pioneering the tests now used throughout the NHS in the UK and across the world to identify deaf babies at birth. Free information and advice: The public can call our freephone information line to ask questions about the medical aspects of deafness and hearing loss. We also have a number of useful medical and treatment factsheets and booklets we can send out. Prevention: Our roadshow, the Bionic Ear Show, travels all around the UK to schools, community groups and businesses, highlighting how the ear works, how it helps us to hear sound and how to protect your hearing. Raising funds: Deafness Research UK receives no government funding for the research it does and depends entirely on the generosity of the public. Legacies and in memory donations: Legacies are a particularly important source

of funding for us and allow us to continue working towards cures for deafness, tinnitus and other hearing problems. Making a donation in memory is a unique way to ensure a loved oneâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s memory lives on, while making a lasting contribution to the lives of others. We hope that your clients will consider Deafness Research UK as their charity of choice, so that we can continue our work on behalf of all deafness sufferers.

Deafness Research UK 330-332 Grayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Inn Road London WC1X 8EE Tel: 0207 164 2293 Web: www.deafnessresearch.org.uk

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Empowering older people A

ge Scotland has a positive, forwardlooking vision for our ageing society. We work for a better later life for all of us – today and tomorrow. We listen to older people in order to understand what they need to transform their lives for the better. In local communities across Scotland we work in partnership with individual older people, older people’s groups, and statutory and voluntary agencies to help improve the quality of life for older people. Last year we gave out grants totalling approximately £150,000 to member groups across Scotland to enable the funding of many activities such as special outings or events, the purchase of equipment, and assistance with start-up costs for new groups focused on older people.

We work with politicians, civil servants and journalists on issues affecting older people, to inform public policy and practice, influence the civic agenda, and further research into ageing and older people. We provide opportunities and empowerment so that older people can challenge disadvantage and unfairness. The Age Scotland Helpline offers a free, impartial service – providing crucial and vital information to older people in Scotland, and those who care for and work with them. Dealing with over 2,000 enquiries each month on issues such as community care, tax, pensions and benefits, the quality of our service is highly valued – 99 per cent of service users who evaluate our service rate us very highly.

We believe older people have the power to change their lives for the better. We understand and value older people. Community by community, life by life, we are working towards our vision of Scotland as a society in which older people are valued and respected for who they are. Will you join us?

Age Scotland Tel: 0845 833 9358 Email: fundraising@agescotland.org.uk Web: www.agescotland.org.uk

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Equal opportunities S

t Elizabeth’s Centre specialises in the fields of epilepsy, associated neurological disorders and other complex medical conditions, as well as providing for children within the autistic spectrum. It is the only national epilepsy centre offering services to all age groups with learning disabilities. Situated near the village of Much Hadham, Hertfordshire, the charity has a national outreach with a strong regional presence. St Elizabeth’s comprises: • a residential school for up to 80 pupils aged 5 to 19; • a residential college with domiciliary care for 37 learners aged 18 to 25; • a village of bungalow accommodation for 105 adult residents aged 18 and over; • day activities for residents, college learners and 12-day clients, providing a varied range of leisure activities and vocational opportunities;

• a five-bed respite suite for those people requiring short-term care breaks. Our vision is that people with epilepsy and other complex needs should have the same opportunities for learning, work and leisure activities as everyone in the wider community, to the maximum of their ability. This vision is grounded in Christian values of love, dignity and respect to those whom we serve, although referrals to St Elizabeth’s are accepted regardless of religious background. Children and adults at St Elizabeth’s have a range of needs that often require 24-hour care and access to highly specialised teams, which include teachers, nursing staff, speech and language therapists, occupational therapists and skilled care workers who work together to ensure an integrated and co-ordinated approach. Our multidisciplinary teams are complemented by outside professionals, including consultant

neurologists from Great Ormond Street Hospital and the National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery. At the heart of our services is a personcentred approach that we adopt in everything we do. Individual development plans, transition team consultations, regular feedback forums and flexible learning curriculums are examples of the tools that we have in place to help ensure each individual at St Elizabeth’s receives the support they need to lead the most independent, fulfilling life possible.

St Elizabeth’s Centre Tel: 01279 843 451 Web: www.stelizabeths.org.uk

Charity Special

In remembrance P

rogressive Supranuclear Palsy (PSP) is a terminal degenerative brain disease that affects eye movement, balance, mobility, speech and swallowing. As yet, there is no cure. The PSP Association is the only UK-based organisation dedicated to funding research into causes and treatments (and for the related disorder, Cortico Basal Degeneration (CBD)). The charity also supports people living with these conditions, their families and carers. “Friends and relations often want to mark the life of someone who had been affected by PSP or CBD,” says the Association’s Cameron Wood. “This often means wanting to do something tangible, like raising money to help the Association continue its work – especially as many of them have been helped by our support network. “Tribute Funds provide this opportunity

and allow people to make donations in remembrance of their loved one – creating a personal commemoration. Bereaved families also use these funds to collect ‘in memoriam’ donations as another way to create a positive, lasting legacy. The Association is always very appreciative of such financial gifts, as they enable us to further grow our services for those with PSP and CBD.” The PSP Association has joined with MuchLoved – a web-based charity that hosts online tribute funds, where messages, anecdotes, pictures and photographs can be posted and donations made in memory of the individual. Setting up an online Tribute Fund is simple. Just visit the MuchLoved website – www.muchloved.com – and follow the instructions on screen. All those who set up a named Tribute Fund – either online or

through the Association – can also have the name of the person being honoured placed in the memorial book, ‘A Tribute to Someone Special’, at PSP House, the Association’s head office. For more information on Tribute Funds, please contact the PSP Association using the details below.

The PSP Association Tel: 01327 322 419 Email: psp@pspeur.org Web: www.pspeur.org

Charity Special

Helping future generations Cambridge University Hospitals are recognised as a centre of medical excellence, and ACT is the charity dedicated to supporting them. Here it explains the difference it is making for patients

CT is the independent registered charity dedicated to making a difference for patients at Cambridge University Hospitals (including Addenbrooke’s and the Rosie hospitals). We believe that every patient deserves the best possible care available. Charitable donations to ACT have bought extra high-tech equipment; paid for additional specialist staff; contributed to environmental enhancements; and funded research to improve the understanding of conditions and find possible cures for patients in Cambridge and around the world.

We believe that every patient deserves the best possible care available Care for generations to come with a gift in memory A gift given in memory of a loved one to Cambridge University Hospitals is a valuable and positive way to celebrate the life of a relative or friend, while helping to make a difference for the patients, doctors and nurses of tomorrow. For generations, Cambridge University Hospitals have provided excellent patient care, and gifts in tribute of loved ones have helped make them even better. Today ACT continues to support and promote the work of the hospitals to help make a difference for patients. Gifts in memory of loved ones help to deliver a level of care over and above what is achievable with NHS funding alone, both for today and in the future. One bereaved daughter, who was able to

raise £615 in memory of her father to give to the children’s ward, says: “My dad used to say how sad he felt when he saw really poorly children in the hospital. This is a great tribute to his memory.” Helping research Cambridge University Hospitals are known throughout the world for excellence in medical research. Their partnership with Cambridge University and the Medical Research Council helps the hospitals to develop research into cancer, diabetes, transplant, neurosciences and many other areas. Today, research breakthroughs are helping to improve patient care, diagnosis and treatment at Cambridge University Hospitals and around the world. A gift given in memory can help tomorrow’s researchers, clinicians and doctors to make even more vital discoveries. A bereaved wife who collected over £1,000 at her husband’s funeral comments: “My husband would have been so pleased to have known that we are helping leukaemia research in his memory.” Specialist equipment Gifts to the hospitals can also help fund medical equipment, which gives us the flexibility to improve patient care where it’s needed most, over and above NHS funding. • The Rosie Hospital for maternity, women’s and neonatal services was built thanks to a significant donation by David Robinson in tribute to his mother, Rosie. • Reusable keyhole surgery instruments were bought to assist gynaecological cancer treatment thanks to an inmemory gift. • A flat-screen TV in the relative’s room of one of the wards was paid for in tribute to a former patient.

A gift in memory of a loved one can help us to provide the very best care for generations to come. Online tribute funds Your clients can create an online Tribute Fund on the ACT website with a page dedicated to their loved ones, to share pictures and messages. It will not only become a very special place to celebrate the lives of their loved ones, but it will also help to raise valuable funds.

A gift given in memory of a loved one, of any amount, can help us to provide the very best care for generations to come Bill Brown’s mum continues to raise funds in tribute to her son after he sadly died of a high-grade brain tumour at the age of 27. She says: “The research and education his tribute is funding could help prolong the lives of other sufferers. Bill would have been so pleased.” If you would like to find out about giving a gift in memory and supporting care for future generations, please contact Yvonne using the details below.

ACT Tel: 01223 217 757 Email: act@addenbrookes.nhs.uk Web: www.actcharity.org.uk Registered charity number: 1048868

Charity Special

Funding research B

rain tumours are the biggest cancer killer of children and adults under 40, and Samantha Dickson Brain Tumour Trust (SDBTT) aims to make a real and lasting difference for everyone affected by a brain tumour, through funding research to find a cure, providing support to give hope, and raising awareness to change outcomes. SDBTT is the largest dedicated funder of brain tumour research in the UK, spending around £1 million per year on world class scientific and clinical research into childhood and adult brain tumours. We fund institutions across the UK, as well as the Samantha Dickson Brain Cancer Unit at UCL Cancer Institute. SDBTT is the only brain tumour charity to be an accredited member of the Association of Medical Research Charities (AMRC). We provide free, practical information and factsheets; national, free-to-attend

information days and family days; and we have achieved the Information Standard accreditation, which certifies us as a provider of high quality health and social care information. Many people feel lost, bewildered and angry at the loss of a loved one, and our national helpline (0808 800 0004 or support@sdbtt.co.uk) is available to provide compassionate and confidential support for anyone affected by a brain tumour, including those who have been bereaved. We do not receive any statutory or government funding for our vital work and rely 100 per cent on voluntary donations, so every gift left in memory makes a real difference. Your clients may choose to ask for donations to be made to SDBTT in memory of their loved ones at the time of the funeral. Our team can provide you with

‘in memoriam’ envelopes for your clients to use. Many of our supporters also find that Memorial Funds are a very positive way of keeping the memory of their loved ones alive, while funding research to help others with brain tumours. We provide dedicated support for people who run Memorial Funds, and every penny of the money they raise is spent on world-class research. For further information about giving in memory, please contact us using the details below.

Samantha Dickson Brain Tumour Trust Tel: 01252 749 990 Email: enquiries@sdbtt.co.uk Web: www.braintumourtrust.co.uk

Charity Special

A new mentality M

ental illness and brain disease can be devastating. They cause profound distress not only to their sufferers but also to their families and friends. No age is exempt – autism and hyperactivity in childhood; eating disorders, alcoholism and drug addiction in young adults; motor neurone disease, bipolar disorder and depression in adults; and Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease in the elderly. Many more conditions affect individuals of all ages. Mental illness and brain disease are more common than many assume, affecting one in every four people – they are part of everyone’s life in some way. The Psychiatry Research Trust was formed in 1982 with the sole aim of raising funds for research at the Institute of Psychiatry (KCL), Bethlem and Maudsley Hospitals. The Institute of Psychiatry is a world-renowned

research centre and in the last Higher Education Funding Council for England Research Assessment Exercise the highest possible rating was awarded to the Institute in recognition of the international quality of its research. Funds are urgently required to extend knowledge at a time when important new technologies provide the best opportunity in medical history for advancing knowledge in psychiatric research. A better chance than ever before now exists to overcome the misconceptions, dogmas and prejudices of the past and lead to prevention and improved treatments. A donation made in lieu of flowers, a collection on the day or setting up a tribute donation web page are all ways your clients can remember their loved ones in a way that will help us to progress in securing better

treatments for sufferers and to understand the underlying causes of mental illness and brain disease with the aim of finding means of prevention and cures for these illnesses.

The Psychiatry Research Trust PO 87, De Crespigny Park Denmark Hill London SE5 8AF Tel: 0207 703 6217 Email: psychiatry_research_trust@kcl.ac.uk Registered Charity No 284286

Classified

YOUR STORY

your story Michael Oglesby, funeral director,

R E Jones Funeral Directors You started in the profession at the age of 17. What made you want to become a funeral director? Death was frequently spoken about in the family after my uncle drowned aged four in the 1960s, and my grandmother always spoke highly of the job that the local funeral director did for her. From hearing these stories, I gradually developed an interest in what happens from actual time of death, to the funeral. This interest advanced further in 2005 upon attending the funeral of a distant relative’s friend in the Isle of Man. Even at the age of 13 I knew I would be able to one day provide more comfort and guidance on such a sad day than this gentleman was giving to this particular bereaved person. From then on I vowed to do just that. How soon after did you conduct your first funeral, and what response did you receive? I conducted my first funeral a few months after entering the profession in 2009 – obviously I was watched by senior members of staff and they were ready to step in should any problems have occurred. I remember it fondly. It was horse drawn with a flower hearse and four limousines, as well as a family ‘at war’. However the day went without a hitch; the family had no idea it was my first funeral and actually commented that they could tell I did this everyday. That was the best thing I could have been told that day. What is your biggest dayto-day challenge? Every family is different, and different people have different ways of dealing with death and different ideas on how a funeral ceremony should be. The challenge is to understand these differences, to understand the bereaved, and to provide the services with a personal touch unique to their needs. What is it like being a funeral director at the age of 20? Has your age made it difficult? It’s brilliant. I feel so proud to be in such a publicly respected position and I love my job. My age has not presented me with any real difficulties. The majority

of clients don’t know my age and when they do ask they are amazed by how young I actually am. I am also privileged to work with an excellent team of people who know my strengths and I know theirs. Are there any changes or developments to the industry that you predict or would like to see happen over the course of your career? It will be interesting to see what difference Resomation makes to an industry that has been dominated previously by only two choices. With rising concerns over the atmosphere and ever declining space for burials, this alternative may become quite a popular one in the near future. I also often wonder if the old Victorian values and traditions that we keep alive today will still be around when I am due to retire. Having achieved a significant amount in such a short space of time, what plans do you have for the future? I hope to continue my quick rate of progression – the company I work for allows this to happen and I hope to one day progress into higher management and be the one mentoring a 20 year old. I aim to complete my diploma studies and then enrol on the embalming studies provided by the BIE. I have also looked into the possibilities of being of some assistance to the armed forces in caring for our deceased soldiers in theatre and repatriating them back home. I always told myself never to allow anyone to tell me I wasn’t good enough; I aimed to pack out my CV and put in the hard work and will continue to do so for as long as I can. What advice would you give to anyone wanting to follow in your footsteps? Be prepared for some negativity, but work hard and be even more prepared to prove people wrong. Ensure you do your very best for the families and for the deceased and always be willing to learn – you should never stop learning. Most of all, remember to laugh and smile every once in a while.

If you would like to appear on this page, please send an introductory email to Naida Ally at naida@funeralservicetimes.co.uk