Specialist funeral services

When a baby is born sleeping, or child passes away, you as a family may be facing shock, complex medical or legal processes and decisions that you never expected to make. We will move at your pace, explain what is needed at each stage and make space for the family’s wishes, beliefs and relationships.

We can discuss:

• whether the funeral will be a burial or cremation and who the family would like to attend
• time with the baby or child and the involvement of parents, siblings and other people close to them
• clothing, blankets, toys, photographs, music, readings and other personal details
• support from a faith leader, celebrant or specialist bereavement organisation
• the paperwork, likely timescale and help that may be available with funeral costs.

In England, the Children’s Funeral Fund can help with eligible burial or cremation fees and certain associated costs for a child under 18 or a baby stillborn after the 24th week of pregnancy.  

It is not means-tested. We will explain which claims can be made by the funeral director or burial or cremation provider and where to find the current government guidance.

Children’s Funeral Fund for England (GOV.UK) (opens in a new tab)

Repatriation means bringing someone who has died from one country to another. It may involve funeral directors in both countries, consular or embassy support, airlines, translations, medical documentation and permission from the relevant authorities.

Bringing someone back to England or Wales

If someone has died abroad, the death must be registered with the local authorities in that country. The documents required to bring them home normally include a certified English translation of the death certificate and permission from the relevant authority in the country where they died. A coroner in England or Wales must be told if the cause of death was unknown, violent or unnatural.

Taking someone from England or Wales to another country

Permission from the coroner is required before a loved one is moved out of England or Wales. The destination country and transport provider may also require specific documents and preparation. Do not book travel until the necessary permissions and arrangements have been confirmed.

If travel insurance applies, contact the insurer as early as possible because it may appoint or approve the international funeral director and control what costs are covered.

What to do when someone dies abroad (GOV.UK) (opens in a new tab)

A funeral may need to reflect public service, military service, membership of an organisation or a ceremonial tradition. The right approach depends on the person, the family’s wishes and the protocol of the relevant organisation.

Where appropriate, the arrangements may involve:

• a representative, chaplain, standard bearer or honour guard
• uniform, insignia, medals, flags or other items used with permission and in the correct way;
• a procession, particular vehicle or ceremonial route
• coordination with a civic office, regiment, association, employer or venue;
• additional time for permissions, rehearsals or specialist suppliers.

Tell us about the connection or tradition as early as possible. We will confirm what can be arranged and who needs to authorise it.