Every Young Life Deserves to Be Remembered
Whether you're saying goodbye to a baby, a young child or a teenager, we're here to help you arrange a funeral that feels right for them and for your family.
There are no rules about what a young person's funeral should look like. It might be traditional and quiet, or full of colour, music, friends and the things they loved.
At Memories, we'll listen to what matters to you and do everything we can to help make it happen.
Our Funeral Services Are Free for Anyone Under 18
At Memories Funeral Service, we do not charge our funeral director's fees for the funeral of a child or young person under the age of 18.
This applies to babies, children and teenagers, and we also offer our support for families arranging a funeral following the loss of a baby during pregnancy.
We believe no parent or family should have the additional worry of paying for our professional services while arranging a funeral for their child.
We will explain clearly what's included, what costs may be met by the Children's Funeral Fund for England, and whether any optional extras would be chargeable.
For the funeral of a baby, child or young person under 18.
Eligible third-party burial and cremation expenses may be covered separately by the Children's Funeral Fund for England. Additional optional services may incur charges.
What We Provide
We want you to know exactly what Memories will provide without charge and which additional choices may involve a cost.
Included Without Charge by Memories
- Bringing your child or young person into our care.
- Professional care and preparation at our funeral home.
- Visits to our private chapel of rest, arranged with the family.
- The option for your child or young person to rest at home before the funeral.
- A suitable traditional-style coffin. White coffins are provided as standard for babies.
- A motor hearse, where appropriate, or another suitable funeral vehicle.
- One limousine for the family.
- Our funeral director and staff required on the day.
- Your chosen funeral route, subject to practical and legal requirements.
- Planning, arranging and coordinating the funeral.
Additional Choices and Costs
- Additional limousines beyond the one included.
- Alternative transport, such as a horse-drawn hearse or motorcycle hearse.
- Floral tributes.
- Orders of service and other printed stationery.
- Jewellery, keepsakes and other memorial items.
- Headstones and other memorial masonry.
- Specialist or bespoke items requested by the family.
We will always discuss costs with you before anything chargeable is ordered or arranged.
Where appropriate, we can also explore whether support is available through organisations such as Lync to the Stars.
Children's Funeral Fund for England
Eligible burial and cremation costs for children under 18, including certain costs following pregnancy loss, can be met through the Children's Funeral Fund for England in accordance with the scheme's rules.
We can explain how the fund applies to your arrangements and whether there are any costs that it does not cover. We will not assume that every optional expense is funded.
A Funeral That Feels Like Them
Every child and young person has their own personality, interests, friendships and memories. We want families to feel able to reflect those things in the funeral.
For a teenager, that might mean music their friends loved, football shirts, their favourite colours, or a less traditional farewell. For a younger child or baby, families may wish for something quieter and more intimate.
Music, Colour and Personal Touches
Favourite songs, colourful clothing, photographs, treasured belongings or a theme that reflects the person you're remembering.
Friends and Family Taking Part
Friends, siblings, schoolmates and relatives may want to contribute readings, music, memories or their own personal tribute.
Traditional or Something Different
A church service, crematorium service, graveside farewell or something more individual. We can talk through what's practical and appropriate.
Our Partnership with Lync to the Stars
A very special little boy, a family's determination to keep his memory alive, and a partnership built on friendship, kindness and a shared wish to help others.
A local Community Interest Company, established in loving memory of Lync.
A Little Boy Who Inspired Something Special
Lync to the Stars was established by Lee and Genna in loving memory of their beautiful little boy, Lync.
Lync was a much-loved son and brother who enjoyed life's little adventures. He loved splashing in puddles, getting muddy, exploring the world around him and watching Toy Story.
Buzz Lightyear was his hero, which is why the words "To Infinity & Beyond" mean so much to his family and feature throughout everything they do.
After Lync died, Lee and Genna wanted to keep his name and memory alive while doing what they could to help other families facing the loss of a child.
From that love came Lync to the Stars, a Community Interest Company bringing people together through fundraising, local events and practical support.
A Partnership That's Personal to Us
Our connection with Lync to the Stars is a very personal one.
Simon, our Funeral Director, had the privilege of looking after Lync and his family when he died.
From decorating our chapel to reflect the things Lync loved, to creating personal touches especially for him, Simon wanted every detail to be just right. He cared for Lync throughout his time with us and accompanied him on his final journey to the crematorium.
What began during such an incredibly difficult time has grown into a genuine friendship with Lee and Genna.
Memories is proud to be the only funeral director working in partnership with Lync to the Stars. We work closely together, sharing our experience, knowledge and whatever practical help we can offer.
Helping Other Families
Through Lync to the Stars, Lee and Genna hope to ease some of the financial and practical pressures families can face when a child dies.
At Memories, we share that commitment. Together, we do what we can to support families, whether that's helping with funeral arrangements, offering practical guidance or exploring opportunities for financial assistance.
Could Lync to the Stars Help Your Family?
If you're arranging a funeral for a child or young person and are worried about additional costs, please speak to us. We can discuss whether support through Lync to the Stars may be available.
Financial assistance is not guaranteed and depends on the CIC's available resources and individual circumstances.
We're proud to support Lee and Genna in everything they're working towards, helping to keep Lync's name shining and his memory making a difference.
Keeping Lync's name shining. To Infinity & Beyond.
We Can Talk Through Everything
You don't have to know what kind of funeral you want before speaking to us, and there are no questions you should feel uncomfortable asking.
We'll help you understand the options at your own pace, without rushing you into making decisions.
Does the free funeral apply to teenagers?
Yes. Memories provides its funeral director's services without charge for anyone under 18, including teenagers aged 16 or 17. We will explain any additional costs before arrangements are made.
Can friends and schoolmates take part?
Of course. Friends and schoolmates may wish to share memories, readings or music, or be involved in another meaningful way. We can help you plan this sensitively and safely.
Does the funeral have to be traditional?
No. We can help you explore different ideas that reflect your child or young person's personality, subject to the requirements of the funeral venue and any relevant safety considerations.
What if we've lost a baby during pregnancy?
We can help families arrange a funeral following pregnancy loss, including explaining the available options, the support we offer without charge and any applicable funding arrangements.
Will you help us understand the costs?
Yes. We will clearly explain what's included without charge, what may be covered by the Children's Funeral Fund for England and which optional items may involve a cost. We can also discuss other sources of support.
You Can Speak to Us Whenever You're Ready
If you're facing the death of a baby, child or young person, please contact us. Whether you need immediate assistance or simply want to understand what happens next, we'll take the time to talk things through.