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How we care for the deceased in our mortuary

- 08/10/24

A sense of purpose

Our mortuary supervisor Paddy Clarke shares how he finds satisfaction in providing compassionate care for the deceased.

To many, a mortuary might seem an unlikely place to find peace, yet amid the silence and the stillness, Paddy Clarke finds a deep sense of purpose and tranquillity.

Taking care of the deceased with respect demands a level of calm that Paddy has mastered over the years, ensuring every task is performed with thorough diligence.

For Paddy, his work is more than just a job—it is a vocation that he loves, and that underscores his dedication to preserving the dignity of the deceased.

“The feeling of accomplishment and satisfaction that comes from providing compassionate care and honouring the deceased is deeply fulfilling.

“The opportunity to serve others with dignity, respect, and empathy is a job like no other. To be trusted with the care of somebody’s loved one is a privilege and an honour.”

Personal growth and fulfilment

Paddy’s route into the profession came through a temporary job at a local funeral provider when he left school. Two months later, he was offered a full apprenticeship.

“They liked me and my work ethic and over time introduced me to the various facets of the business which gave me a taste of the responsibilities involved.

“I enjoyed the practical aspects of the profession and developed a deep respect for the meticulous attention to detail and the dignity with which the deceased were treated.

“It allowed me to see the dedication and professionalism the job demanded.”

Paddy says the training enabled him to develop his skills and equip him with the expertise and knowledge required to care for the deceased and support grieving families.

“I am delighted to have found a vocation that provides me with the opportunity to make such a unique contribution to humankind.”

The COVID-19 pandemic

After gaining experience with a major funeral provider and a spell in retail management, Paddy joined our business in 2021 during the COVID-19 pandemic where each day brought new challenges.

With soaring demand for services and an increase in the number of people turning to simpler alternatives like direct cremation, Paddy says the experience provided him with a source of strength and purpose.

“The sheer number of deceased we had to deal with was overwhelming at first," recalls Paddy. "But each call represented a life, a family in pain. I knew I had to be strong for them.

“The whole experience could have been paralysing and I just tried to focus on what I could control, meticulously ensuring that every person received the respect and care they deserved.”

A compassionate custodian

As our Care Centre Supervisor, Paddy oversees the mortuary care, managing all necessary paperwork and ensuring the correct identification of the deceased. Every detail of the process is controlled digitally to provide a reliable audit trail.

Once in his care, Paddy and his assistant wash and prepare the deceased simply and respectfully for cremation, removing any medical devices and implants.

Embalming is not necessary for a cremation, so at Distinct Cremations no additional chemicals are introduced to the body allowing for a more environmentally conscious approach.

Families may send in clothing for their loved ones, ask for fingerprints or a lock of hair, or request for jewellery to be added or removed.

The deceased are inspected once every day from the moment they come into the care of Distinct Cremations until the day of their cremation, to ensure their bodies are maintained in the best possible condition.

Following the cremation, if the family have requested the ashes, the cremated remains are returned to Paddy’s safekeeping before being personally delivered by our funeral operatives.

Not just a profession but a calling

Paddy, the son of a retired minister, believes his job is not just a profession but a calling that brings a profound sense of duty and reverence.

“My father conducted many, many funeral services as a minister, and I grew up surrounded by examples of good service and compassion.

“I saw firsthand the impact that support and comfort give people in what may be the most challenging time of their lives, which instilled in me a strong desire to be of service to others.”

Paddy says he treats the deceased the same way he would for a member of his own family.

“I always treat the deceased as if they were alive in terms of how I interact with them. I might talk with them while I am changing their clothes and let them know what is going on as though they can hear me. I might say “I’m going to lift your head now so I can place your shirt under you so I can dress you.”

“Showing respect for the deceased is a fundamental aspect of honouring their life and memory.

“It reflects the value placed on their existence and contributions, acknowledging their humanity even after death.

Meticulousness at work and at home

When he is not at work Paddy finds tranquillity in caring for his tropical fish, a hobby that allows him to decompress once the day is over.

“It may seem worlds apart from my job, yet maintaining a healthy aquatic environment for my fish requires the same meticulous attention I bring to my role at Distinct Cremations.

“I also love the water sounds, colours, and serenity of keeping tropical fish. They have a positive impact on my mood and enable me to wind down and relax.”

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Over 76,000 cremations a year

Westerleigh Group including Distinct Cremations carried out over 76,000 cremations in 2025.

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Distinct Cremations office: Oak Tree Court, Brookfield Drive, Cannock, WS11 0JN

‘Distinct Cremations’ is a trading style of Distinct Funeral Plans Limited (DPFL) and Distinct Cremations Limited (DCL). DFPL is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. Financial Services Register No. 965289. DCL provides ‘at need’ funeral and cremation services and is not authorised or regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.

Both companies are registered in England. DFPL No. 13366327 and DCL No. 13366310. Registered office: Head Office Westerleigh Crematorium, Westerleigh Road, Westerleigh, Bristol, BS37 8QP. Part of the Westerleigh Group.

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