Co-op’s youngest funeral director motivated to help families
One of Central England Co-op’s youngest funeral directors has revealed how the pursuit of a meaningful career saw him choose to help families at their time of need.
At just 27, Daniel Cheeseman currently oversees services out of not only the Central England Co-op Funeralcare branch, in Peterborough Road, Stanground, but also MJ Claypole, in Yaxley.
After studying English at university, Daniel decided to pursue a career in the funeral industry after his job search left him wanting to find something that would leave him able to ‘feel fulfilled’.
Four years later he has risen through the ranks and is encouraging other young people to consider a job helping people say a perfect goodbye to their loved one.
He said: “I was looking at several different career options but I wanted a meaningful job, a job where I could go home and feel fulfilled. This was how I came to the funeral industry.
“I started off working part-time administrator in Stanground and jumped at the chance when a full-time position came about at our home in Fitzwilliam Street.
“I quickly progressed into the role of senior administrator and then became a funeral director.
“I always wanted to make a real difference for all the families we serve.
“From the very first funeral I arranged, to the one that I plan to do next, I approach all of them with the same level of care and respect.
“Helping families give their loved ones the send-off they deserve gives me a real sense of purpose and is the reason I have such a passion for this job.”
Daniel believes that more young people would benefit from a career like his and urged them to consider it as an option.
He said: “I think I am uniquely privileged to be part of an essential service to families and to be part of helping them say the perfect goodbye to a member of family they have lost.
“I would encourage others who want to make a difference to think about the funeral industry for a career – I feel lucky to do what I do and I think others would as well.”
