This episode is with Becky Perry, a Funeral Director based in Salisbury. In her own words;

"I knew from roughly the age of 10 that I wanted to be a funeral director, and a successful work experience placement through my school, with a local funeral directors, sealed the deal! 

A local car museum hosted the hearse of the year show the year I started my work placement and at that event I met a funeral director from Salisbury and I convinced him to employ me when I turned 18. 

My first role was as an operative (driver bearer etc) and I fell in love with the role. I spent the next two years learning everything I could about the industry and moved to Salisbury from my home town of Southampton.

I then accepted a role as trainee funeral director and my passion for helping families just grew and grew.  I realised that change was so needed in the industry so became involved in different professional bodies and associations to start the conversations about the changing needs of the bereaved.

I was then lucky enough to be asked to become the Southern President of the NAFD, which is a role I proudly served in for 3 years (think I was only the second lady to reach president).  

I now manage four funeral homes in Wiltshire and manage a team of people who collectively care for and support our local communities.  This is addition to being involved with Rotary, our local Business chamber, and a local counsellor. "

Hilary welcomes Julie New, Author and Personal Recovery Coach into the studio for an unscripted discussion about grief and the impact that it can have on people.
Grief is such a unique experience for people that it can be difficult for many to let it show, or let it run its' course.

Julie talks about not only dealing with her own grief, but also about nurturing her daughters through the process too.

Julie and Hilary met through Twitter and are openly discussing grief and the impact it has. Coming from different angles, but with similarities, the conversation proves interesting and free flowing. 

www.julienew.co.uk

Grief has been playing tricks on me again as I approach my first Father's Day without my Dad. 
Even though I deal with death as part of my 'work' nothing can prepare you for when those grief tears will not stop flowing. 
I cared for my Dad at home until the day he died yet I discovered that there are a few issues I have to deal with regarding his end of life care/experience...

This is an unscripted episode that is recorded in one go, which captures the authenticity of the moment.  

As a practicing Funeral Celebrant I am not afraid to put my own emotions out there in the form of poetry and readings if it can help just one person start to grieve...then something is achieved out of pain.