Coronavirus: Melton undertaker says restrictions on funerals are ‘heart-breaking’

Shane Mousley was talking about how his role has markedly changed with services limited to just a few mourners and family members being prevented from even hugging each other because of the need for social distancing.

Shane told the Melton Times: “It’s really heart-breaking to see what families have to go through now.

“When someone has lived 80-odd years they deserve a proper send-off but we are turning up to cremations and there are only about 10 mourners, they are all sitting apart and no-one can comfort each other.

“The funeral ritual is a massive part of recovering from grief but families are not getting the funeral they would want to have.”

Shane Mousley & Son Independent Funeral Directors are now down to just two full-timers on the team during the Covid-19 restrictions as many of their casual staff are vulnerable to contracting the virus.

Shane, whose family business also includes the Asfordby-based JW Hazlewood & Son funeral directors, said: “We are used to going round to the deceased person’s house or to see a family member and spending two hours with them but now we are having to do it all on the phone.

“We are not meeting the family until the day of the funeral.

“People are being very good about it and are sticking to the restrictions though.”

He added: “A lot of people have said they will organise a proper memorial service when everything is back to normal but whether they will after several weeks and months is difficult to say.”