Funeral director to take on a 100k cliff side trek for charity

A Central England Co-op funeral director is set to take on a 100km cliff side trek to raise vital funds for Dementia UK. Lucy Metcalfe, who recently took over the reins at Uttoxeter Funeral Home, in Carter Street, is in training to undertake the challenge along the south coast of England to help boost the society’s corporate charity in supporting people and their families battling the disease. Metcalfe, explained the reasons behind taking on the charity effort and also talked about her new role and how she decided to work in the funeral industry. She said: “I have previously undertaken the Three Peaks Challenge for charity, so I am very much looking forward to this challenge. Dementia is such a challenge for so many families, and it is wonderful to be able to support such a great charity. “I always subscribe to the motto that if you're going to do something, do it big.” Metcalfe has worked for Central England Co-op Funeralcare for just over a year and took over in Uttoxeter just at the onset of the global pandemic. She said: “I joined Uttoxeter at a challenging time during the current pandemic, but I am really looking forward to being able to set down roots here and become deeply immersed into the community. It is an incredibly exciting opportunity, and I can't wait for the journey. I came to the funeral profession late in life. “I was inspired to consider it after the care my family received when we suddenly lost my dad in 2018 - I had always wanted to do a role that really made a difference to people's lives, and yet still challenged my mind.” She added: “The combination of the empathy and care required along with the meticulous organisation skills and the ability to stay one step ahead at all times is what drew me to the role. “I began in the profession as a driver/bearer just over a year ago, and very soon knew that I had found the profession I wanted to remain in for the rest of my life. It is an honour and a privilege to go to work every day and to be trusted to care for families and their loved ones.”