Hand in Hand Funerals

It’s wonderful to have greater freedom for choice and non-traditional funeral options available in York. Kerry has such an empathetic, down to earth nature and a true passion to help people create bespoke funerals that are meaningful to them.

I lost my wife Lynda back in February of this year following her 11 year battle against cancer (and everything else associated with her fight).Unbeknown to me and the family , Lynda had noted in her book her final wishes. We knew she spoke about having an ethical, holistic non-religious ceremony and Kerry Aldridge of 'Hand in Hand Funerals' , New Earswick, York not just spent hours in our company learning about the woman Lynda was, but by being our Doola, she arranged absolutely everything to perfection.Lyndas Day of Celebration was held in a massive yurt with family, her friends and colleagues past and present.. and without exception everyone was amazed at what was done for Lynda.it goes without saying, the planning, organisation and execution on the day by Kerry and her appointed specialists; the venue, Celebrant, caterers and florists made it such a unique and unforgettable day, which is of course how and why we will always remember Lynda's Celebration of her Life.Simply said, it was just perfect!

Kerry is one of the kindest, most compassionate and empathetic people I have ever met. Planning for end of life is so personal and sensitive and I can’t think of anyone better to support through this time. Kerry will listen with care and ensure your wishes, and those of your loved ones, are met. Kerry is so passionate about what she does, you will be in safe hands organising such an important decision.

Kerry was fantastic at holding our hands through a difficult time. Would definitely recommend.

We chose Hand in Hand Funerals as their care and compassion was evident from the moment we opened their website. Hand in Hand’s ethos, person-centred, and holistic approach to the end of an individual’s life is none that we had come across previously. We felt instantly connected to Kerry before we even had chance to meet her and we knew she/Hand in Hand, were the perfect people to help us say farewell to our mum and wife.From the very first contact with Kerry, she did everything she could to make our mum and wife’s day perfect, and helped us to arrange all aspects. Her attention to detail and thoughtfulness shone through everything and enabled us to celebrate our mum and wife with all the things mum loved the most.The total costs, we are sure, are the most reasonable in the industry, without any compromise on quality. There are a huge variety of choices based on personal wants/needs; there are no hidden costs; and transparency is provided throughout. Furthermore, Hand in Hand support local businesses and people, and thrive to make the end of an individual’s life just as perfect as the life they lived.The love, care and support Kerry has shown us and still continues to do so, is beyond anything we could ever have imagined. Kerry supported us through the most difficult time and she cared for our mum as if she was her own. We cannot recommend Kerry and Hand in Hand Funerals highly enough.She made the day we all dreaded, one that was filled with celebration and love.

A wonderful woman, capable of making the most difficult times seem a whole lot clearer. Kerri created the perfect day for my Dad, one that truly represented him, she showed us that funerals don’t have to be a dreaded day, and instead one that celebrates life in a personal and memorable way.

I have absolutely no hesitation in recommending Kerry. She was and continues to be amazing. She gently and kindly helped us find our way through creating the least bleak, most beautiful farewell service for our beloved mum, which was the best it could have been. Bizarre as it may sound, especially coming from someone who will do anything possible to avoid attending a funeral, we actually enjoyed the day and it made a warm and beautiful memory for us to look back on. Kerry was very professional, but also it felt as though she was a great friend, who just happened to know all about the procedures and what needed to be done. Beyond this she intuitively supported us to make things exactly as we wanted, from our starting point of knowing just what we didn't want. We also knew at all times that mum was being looked after by someone who really cared. Thank you so much Kerry you have really made a difference to the last few weeks for us all.

As an Independent Celebrant, it has been so refreshing and reassuring working with a funeral director with an alternative look at how funeral services are conducted and performed.I've had the honour of working with Kerry from Hand in Hand Funerals and her communication throughout was superb. Kerry is definitely a 'people person' who connects with families naturally as well as other work colleagues. Her creative and naturalistic approach to funerals brings a beautiful dimension to the occasion which uplifts the atmosphere and brings a sense of comfort.The decorative elements that Kerry creates make the service wonderfully creative and colourful and she also introduces symbolism and alternative rituals that make the ceremonies much more personal.This style and approach to funerals is contemporary yet fully honours traditional values. It is a step forward in the way we look at funeral services.

Words are not enough, Kerry has supported me at a time I didn't know which way to turn after the sudden death of my husband at 43. So glad I found her. Kerry has helped myself and children in a way I didn't know was possible. Such a beautiful lady, well and truly goes above and way beyond xxx