After a rapid decline following a terminal cancer diagnosis in 2021, Mum took the reins in planning her last few months. She decided on a living wake, she called a Soirée. An afternoon of food a drinks with her extended family followed by an old fashioned slide show. This was an opportunity to share her life and say goodbye. When it came to her funeral, Mum didn't want the bells and certainly not the whistles. Mum always went on about funerals being over the top and wanting us kids to draw on a simple box and cover it in lavender. Like many of us, I didn't think it was possible and while there were some obstacles when the time came, we made it happen. It was those obstacles that drew me to start Rest. I believe that a cheap funeral doesn't have to be 'cheap'. While my family saved a lot of money on Mums funeral, we spent a lot of time and energy making it what she wanted. Mum, just like everyone, was her own self. A unique person that had to be celebrated in a unique way. We are all about what you can do, not what you can't. Our aim at Rest is to give regional people access to the funeral they want. Whether it is a family led funeral at home with the support you need to vigil or a simple cremation, allowing them to - like our mum - have a memorial that suits them, we can help.

In the event of a death in the family, contact Burstows without delay. A funeral director is available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year and will provide help and guidance from the first contact. The funeral arrangements consultation can be held at your own home or at our premises. This consultation does not need to take place immediately and you may wish to await the arrival of other family members before proceeding with the arrangements. If you are one of the growing numbers of people that would like to plan their funeral in advance, contact Burstows to arrange an appointment to speak with one of our trained consultants. A range of useful literature is also available from Burstows. This information has given comfort and understanding to many of our client families and is available free of charge.