A trainee funeral director has described his pride in taking up the role and says it’s just the same as training in any profession.
Martyn Simpson, aged 31, of Penrith, was appointed by Richardson’s Funeral Directors earlier this year.
The independent family-owned business was established in 1852 and is Penrith’s longest-serving funeral directors.
“I have been interested in becoming a funeral director for a while. I consider it the same as any other profession and I take a lot of pride in providing a high standard of customer service,” said Martyn.
“You can only learn this job by doing it, and from my first day I have been involved in every aspect of the business. From collecting the deceased to talking with families, and from washing the vehicles to organising the route of the processions. I really enjoy the variety of it and I have had a lot of support from the team here,” he said.
Having spent the previous 10 years working in hospitality roles, including as a bar manager at Penrith’s Salsa restaurant, Martyn was keen to apply his customer service skills to his new line of work.
“I enjoy talking to people and understanding what they want and need for their loved one. Grief hits people in different ways and you have to be able to think on your feet and adapt to how families deal with organising a funeral.
“You need to have a lot of patience and be a good listener, and try to do your best for people at a very difficult time,” he said.
Attention to detail, empathy, strong organisation, compassion and an open mind are qualities that are vital for being a funeral director. Martyn said he also felt a strong sense of responsibility to deliver what his clients wanted; after all this will be the final journey for their loved one, and the challenge of ensuring everything goes perfectly is part of what attracted him to the job.
“When a family thanks you after what has been a very difficult experience for them, it’s very humbling to know you played a part in the last memory they’ll have of their loved one. That’s a big responsibility to have, and we only have one chance to get it right,” he said.
Away from work, Martyn lives in Penrith with his partner Louise, who works at Fell Bar in the town centre. He’s also a musician and part of popular Cumbrian outfit Beachmaster, who have toured the UK and played at the likes of Kendal Calling, Solfest and Manchester Academy.
“They’re two very different sides of my life, but I’m really enjoying my new career and excited about the future,” he said.
And what does the future hold for the industry? The cost-of-living crisis, environmental awareness and changing attitudes towards faith have all been factors in how funeral directors operate.
“Many families are opting for cardboard coffins, sometimes because of cost, often because of environmental preference. There are more cremations than burials and so quite often the wishes of the person that has passed away, or their family, is to have a coffin that is both less harmful to the environment as well as being more cost effective,” he said.
