Main content

The Funeral

Grace Dent presents the story of one family's struggle to raise the money to cremate their dead dad.

Mandy was shocked to discover how much the funeral for her ex-husband was going to cost. But she was also determined that her three children should not be forced to carry the cost alone. Matt the eldest is her carer, and legally liable for all costs, but his carer's allowance was never going to cover the costs - embalming, cremation, flowers, the hearse. So the idea of a fundraising day at the local pub slowly emerged. But despite the best efforts of the community, Mandy and Matt still struggle to settle the bill.

And more bills keep coming in.

Grace Dent presents one family's struggle to grieve for their dead father while dealing with the spiralling price of his death.

The producer is Miles Warde.

Available now

28 minutes

Last on

Fri 10 Aug 2018 23:27

"I'm not responsible for his funeral"

"I'm not responsible for his funeral"
MandyÌýwith a photo of her ex-husband who was in the Welsh Guards

Support and Advice

The Money Advice Service provides free and impartial money advice. An independent service originally set up by government.
Phone 0800 138 7777 (Mon-Fri 8am-8pm; Sat 9am-1pm)

My Money Steps is a free, interactive online debt advice service, which provides a personalised action plan for dealing with your debts.

National Debtline offers free, impartial, debt advice.Ìý
Phone: 0808 808 4000 (Mon-Fri 9am- 9pm Sat 9am-1.30pm)

StepChange Debt Charity helps people in financial difficulty by providing free, confidential, independent and realistic debt advice.
Helpline: 0800 138 1111

Citizens Advice Service online with information on benefits, employment and housing and help on debt, credit and legal issues.
ÌýÌý

Ìý

Ìý

Bereavement Advice Centre provides support and advice to bereaved people on what they need to do after a death.
Phone: 0800 634 9494 (9am to 5pm Monday to Friday)
Ìý

Dying Matters offers information on end of life and bereavement , including writing a will, funeral plans and end of life care.

Broadcasts

  • Mon 23 May 2016 11:00
  • Fri 10 Aug 2018 23:27

Featured in...

Meet the Artist

Hand-drawn illustrations by Niki Pilkington

The Best of The Untold

Gripping real-life stories you won't hear anywhere else.

Podcast