Bereavement & Practical Funeral Advice

Call: 0113 210 7998

Advice, Help & Support

Practical Bereavement Advice

Whether you are newly bereaved and would like to understand the funeral administration process, or you need suggestions about where to obtain financial or emotional support; you'll find everything you need right here.

Gooding Funeral Services looked after us when my father passed away. The care, attention, professionalism and love they showed was quite incredible. A fantastic company whom I would recommend to anyone.

Thank you x

Julian Jeoffrey

Registering a Death

Registering a Death

We find that things feel far less daunting when someone is there to hold your hand.  Let us guide you though the registration process.

Registering a Death

Considerations

Considerations

When someone passes away, there are often lots of things to organise, attend to and arrange.  It can be a very busy time, so we thought that a list of suggested items to consider, might be useful to you.

Considerations

Costs Explained

Costs Explained

At Gooding Funeral Services, all costs and fees are explained clearly and then a written copy is given in full. You will not find any hidden or surprise charges.

By providing a service that is clear and straightforward, our clients can be confident about the ongoing care they'll receive.

Costs Explained

Financial Help

Financial Help

In some instances, financial assistance for funeral services are provided to those who are either on state benefits or who are facing financial hardship.

This link will direct you to government bodies and charitable organisations, who may be able to help toward the cost of a funeral.

Financial Help

More Support

More Support

Whether you are newly bereaved, about to arrange a funeral or you just need some practical help, then a little impartial support or advice at this time, can go a long, long way.

We have put together links to a number of organisations, which we think might be helpful to you.

More Support

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Medical Certificate of Cause of Death?

A 'Medical Certificate of Cause of Death' is a document that confirms the details of a death. It is administered by the General or Medical Practitioner who usually attended to the person who has died, or who had treated them within two weeks of their passing.

If the person passed away in hospital, the Medical Certificate of Cause of Death may be collected from Hospital Bereavement Services. If death has occurred in a care home or hospice, then the care home or hospice manager will be able to provide you with this document after the General Practitioner has performed an examination.

Once you are in receipt of the Medical Certificate of Cause of Death, we can advise and assist you with registering the death.

How many people can be seated in a limousine?

Our limousines provide enough seating space for six people in the rear compartment, plus an additional seat beside the chauffeur.

Can we choose what music is played at the Crematorium?

As the client, you can decide which music will be played during the crematorium service.

So long as your musical choice is in keeping with any final wishes (of the person who has passed away), your request is submitted to your funeral director in good time and your music will not offend those attending the service.

Can we request donations to charity?

Yes you can. Donations may be made via our online obituary page.

What can I do with the cremated remains?

There are a number of options available to clients when considering what to do with ashes:

  • Scattering in a Garden of Remembrance or other area dedicated for the purpose by the local authority
  • Sikh and Hindu communities of Leeds are allowed to scatter ashes from a specific quiet position, along the riverside in the Kirkstall area. This service is free of charge when using the facilities of the deceased's home local authority (Leeds) but charges may apply to use the provision of another local authority.

Please note: To preserve the privacy of mourners and to respect the peaceful nature of this beautiful spot, the local authority has sought not to make public its whereabouts. Your Gyani, Pujari, local community or Gooding Funeral Services will assist you with directions at your time of need.

  • Strewing ie. the lifting of turf, sprinkling the ashes beneath and returning the turf to its original position. This is provided free of charge in Leeds
  • Interment of ashes. This is a chargeable service in Leeds
  • The purchase of a Sanctum 2000 (for the interment of ashes), which is then kept within the grounds of a Columbarium
  • Scattering on private land or out at sea, having sought and received permission from the relevant land, waterways or harbour authority.
  • Ashes may be placed into a traditional or modern memorial urn or divided and placed into a number of urns and given to loved ones and kept at home
  • Cast stone memorial garden ornaments
  • Placing ashes into one or several fireworks
  • Turn ashes into glass
  • Create jewellery, trinkets or keepsakes
  • Turn ashes into real diamonds
  • Add ashes to ink and have worked into a tattoo
  • Add ashes oil paint and have a work of art created
  • Have ashes pressed into a vinyl recording
  • Memorial space flights and lunar burials

There are an increasing number of wonderful and creative ways in which to memorialise a loved one, please contact us if you are interested in any of the above or if you have an idea of your own.

Hugh Gooding Funeral Services Limited trading as Gooding Funeral Services, is an appointed representative of Golden Charter Limited trading as Golden Charter Funeral Plans, which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FRN:965279).