AFTER the showing of last week's Channel 4 proramme 'Undercover undertaker', I felt compelled to write, as not only did it allege some disrespectful and disturbing practices, the programme also brings the good name of funeral directors in general into question.

Any established firm has to sustain livelihoods and service running costs and overheads, but the pursuit of profit should never betray the trust of families and the hard work and decency of most funeral directors. 

Families deserve and should expect, frank and honest discussion about the realities of death and all that entails from their undertaker (there should be no mystery or jargon) and be given guidance and the time to make choices.

Everyone deserves to be treated with respect and dignity no matter what their financial situation. Their budget should determine what sort of funeral they choose, not the other way round. You do not require a top of the range hearse or coffin to give someone a good send off, a good funeral is determined by the dignity and respect shown and by what you do and say.

People are at their most vulnerable when they lose a loved one, they need a consistent dedicated undertaker to advise and guide them through the entire process from the time of death up until their loved one is laid to rest, and appropriate aftercare when needed.

When choosing a funeral director, take your time, ask a friend to help you, know your options, know and stick to your budget.

It is a rare privilege to be a custodian of the dead, from the moment your loved one enters into the care of any serious undertaker, their dignity, safety and security should be their absolute priority as I am sure it is for most funeral directors.

Ali Redstone

via email