Career change sees Tracie take on challenging role at funeral directors

However, after being made redundant from her role as head of sales for a hotel company in March last year, she has taken up a new career – and is now organising celebrations of a different kind.

Tracie, from Southsea, now works in a Co-op Funeralcare branch - and she has spoken out about the difficult situations she has found herself in.

The 52-year-old started as a funeral arranger amid a demand for services caused by the pandemic in April, initially on a temporary 12-week contract, but has since been made a permanent member of staff.

‘I don’t think we are appreciated as much as we should be,’ she said.

‘I think the NHS and all those workers have been absolutely amazing in helping saving lives. But we’re on the flip side, we’re the ones that have got to help the families when their loved ones have passed away.

‘I do think there should be more recognition and reward definitely for the industry as a whole because it’s an emotional job.’

Tracie, who served in the Army for seven years, said that while the role is rewarding, it can be difficult when supporting bereaved loved ones.

She said: ‘It does get to everybody and that’s why I think the mental health side of things and helping each other is so, so important.’

Tracie said the pandemic had brought challenges to the industry, such as limiting the amount of people who can attend a funeral.

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She said: ‘I do sympathise on this, they have got to sit and work out who they can invite and who they can’t invite. And that is obviously so distressing, but one thing that I often say to people is, why don’t we do a webcast? Even though they can’t physically be there, they can still be there emotionally.'

She also suggested that families could hold ‘celebrations of life’ once restrictions ease.

‘We can have the funeral director that was there for the cremation or the burial of your loved one, we can get a hearse, we can do it all again for you and you can say goodbye properly,’ she added.

A message from the Editor, Mark Waldron

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