The Good Funeral Awards are a celebration of the immense talent that exists in the bereavement sector. Here are a few brief highlights from the hundreds of heartfelt nominations received for the worthy winners
Julie Dunk, former CEO, Institute of Cemetery and Crematorium Management
LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD
“Julie has devoted over 30 years to bereavement services, leaving an indelible mark through her leadership, advocacy, and unwavering support for professionals across the UK.”
“Julie’s leadership at the ICCM was characterised by her tireless commitment to excellence and inclusivity. She championed best practices, professional development, and ethical standards that have elevated the entire industry. Her personable nature, combined with her deep empathy and integrity, made her not only a respected leader but a beloved mentor and friend to many.”
“Throughout her career, Julie has been a steady, compassionate, and visionary presence. She has never lost sight of the fact that behind every policy, every service, and every decision are real people seeking comfort and dignity.”
Matt Fellows, funeral director, Fellows Funeral Directors
MOST PROMISING NEWCOMER
“Matt listened. Really listened. He could see we were hurting, something he must deal with daily, but we felt like the only family he was dealing with, like he cared, and our needs mattered. His calm, respectful manner and attention to every detail reassured me that my loved one was in the very best hands.”
“What sets Matthew apart is not just his professionalism, but the way he treats every family with warmth and humanity. He guided us through the arrangements with patience, clarity, and integrity, always making time for questions and offering thoughtful solutions. He is a credit to the profession.”
Becky Doherty, funeral arranger and director, Rounce Funeral Services
FUNERAL ARRANGER OF THE YEAR
“Becky was absolutely amazing and led us through the entire journey with nothing but love, care and compassion. She was there for us whenever we needed her and managed the arrangements for the service with such love and respect.”
“Quite simply, she was our ‘earth angel’. There are not enough words to say what a wonderful difference she made, we owe so much to her and the Rounce Funeral Directors. Amazing, caring people.”
Andy McFadyen, funeral director, Newlings of Royston
FUNERAL DIRECTOR OF THE YEAR
“He treats each person in his care as if they were his own family, guiding them with kindness, patience, and respect. His integrity shines through in everything he does, from the smallest gesture to the most complex arrangements. He has a rare gift for making people feel seen, heard, and supported, both in life and in loss. There truly needs to be more Andy McFaydens in the world.”
Gitte Monis, celebrant, Ceremonies by Gitte
FUNERAL OFFICIANT/CELEBRANT OF THE YEAR
“She has a remarkable passion for empowering people with knowledge about their rights and choices, helping them create meaningful farewells that honour their loved ones in personal, beautiful, and often unconventional ways. Gitte is not only a brilliant celebrant, but also a tireless advocate for change, fighting to make funeral celebrations more accessible, inclusive, and deeply personal. I can think of no one more deserving.”
Dr Katy Vigurs, co-founder Dead Good CIC
YEARLY ACHIEVEMENT AWARD
“Katy has had the most amazing and impactful year in terms of delivering eco-funeral education. She’s held demonstrations in libraries, markets, museums, galleries, shops, cafes, natural burial grounds, community gardens, festivals, universities, but she’s also had a phenomenal impact nationally and internationally via Dead Good’s social media campaigns and online services. I think she’s singlehandedly creating an eco-funeral revolution in the north east.”
GreenAcres Living Memorial Park
CEMETERY OF THE YEAR
“GreenAcres stands out, not only for its setting but for its exceptional team. Their compassion, professionalism, and gentle guidance make a profound difference to grieving families. They are, without doubt, the park’s greatest asset and deserve the highest commendation. GreenAcres Epping is a unique cemetery that deserves recognition for its beauty, its people, and the comfort it brings to so many.”
Tithe Green Natural Burial
NATURAL BURIAL GROUND OF THE YEAR
“The team are so helpful, and they are dedicated to ensuring that their burial ground offers families, not only a beautiful final resting place for their loved one, but also the ability to personalise their service and committal.”
“Tithe Green deserves to win for its management, genuine care for families, and commitment to sustainability. The site is beautifully maintained to encourage wildlife and natural growth, creating a calm and respectful setting. With a focus on simplicity and environmental responsibility, it offers a natural alternative that feels authentic and lasting.”
Jonny Yaxley, gravedigger, Henley Woodland Burial Ground
GRAVEDIGGER OF THE YEAR
“Jonny’s dedication goes far beyond his role. He supports families with genuine care, taking the time to understand their loved ones and their wishes. He approaches every task with willingness to help, ensuring that every burial is carried out with dignity and respect. Nothing is ever too much trouble. Whether it’s preparing graves with the utmost respect, assisting families who wish to take part in the process, or making sure the burial ground remains a peaceful and well-kept space, Jonny’s work is invaluable.”
Oakfield Gardens
CREMATORIUM OF THE YEAR
“I cannot express how impressed we have been with every aspect of this innovative crematorium and the way it is managed and run. This place is very special, as are the team who work there.”
“Beyond their dedication to care, the crematorium is also leading the way in sustainability. As a paper-free site, they utilise solar technology, harness waste heat for energy, and collect rainwater for environmental maintenance.”
Elite Funeral Services
LOW COST FUNERAL PROVIDER OF THE YEAR
“I cannot express how amazing these ladies were from the very first call. We had a beautiful coffin with a bespoke bright pink interior provided by Sam and Jo at no additional cost. They gifted us Heart in Their Hand keepsakes. Jo led the funeral service wearing bright pink to acknowledge Mum’s favourite colour. Sam offered to lead the service, again totally free of charge. They even had a silk flower spray for the coffin so we didn’t have to spend money on flowers. I will be forever grateful for what Elite did for us.”
Mortons Funeral Hire
CARRIAGE MASTERS OF THE YEAR
“They are always thorough with funeral details and always prompt. The team shows up clean, smart and knowledgeable in regards to funeral etiquette; never shy to lend a helping hand. The vehicles are always immaculate, and the information provided helps the funeral director guide the families. They make the booking experience super easy and stress free, with their booking forms, email confirmation and phone call the day before or on the day to check for lastminute changes.”
Mindful Memorials
BEST FUNERAL MEMORIALISATION
“I cannot thank them enough for their exceptional craftsmanship and dedication. Their handcrafted sandstone memorial is not just a monument; it is a timeless tribute that perfectly honours my one true love.”
“Mindful Memorials are a wonderfully empathetic, caring and dedicated team. As soon as I met them it was clear how passionate and committed they are to providing the highest level of design, craftmanship and care to the families they support. They also stand out because they invest in training young artisans in skills that have been used for generations to ensure they are not lost and forgotten.”
Obitus
BEST EXTERNAL SUPPLIER TO THE FUNERAL INDUSTRY
“Obitus is an exceptional company that has truly transformed the funeral industry. Their innovation, reliability, and unwavering support have made them an indispensable partner for modern funeral directors. Gone are the days of fumbling with CDs or unreliable Bluetooth speakers. Thanks to Obitus, we’re able to offer families seamless, dignified, and contemporary media services that genuinely belong in 2025. Vital service and we love them.”
“They don’t just excel at service delivery; they’re redefining the standards within a traditionally slow-to-evolve sector.”
Sacred Wings
COFFIN SUPPLIER OF THE YEAR
“Sacred Wings creates exquisite shrouds that are a brilliant alternative to coffins. Made from preloved items, upcycled fabrics, family heirlooms and/or pieces of clothing from the person who has died, she creates a shroud as unique as the person it cradles. Dagmara has a deep concern for the environment coupled with a spirit of enquiry into how to make new meanings from ancient traditions. She is fantastically sensitive and caring and loves her work.”
Loop Biotech
GREEN COMPANY/PRODUCT OF THE YEAR
“This innovative coffin is beautiful, soft to touch and comforting for the bereaved to feel that some good can come from death. We are impressed with the quality of the products, as well as the team’s professionalism and vision. Their mushroom-based coffins and urns are not just sustainable alternatives; they represent a profound transformation in the funeral industry. Loop Biotech is a true pioneer, reshaping the way we think about end-of-life choices. Their commitment to sustainability, innovation, and giving back to nature makes them a beacon of progress in the funeral industry.”
The ICCM Journal
BEST FUNERAL SUPPORT
“Whether sharing best practices, legislative changes, or innovative approaches to memorialisation, the Journal ensures its readers are well-informed and supported. Its focus on professional development, environmental considerations, and real-world case studies makes it an essential tool for those dedicated to delivering compassionate, high-quality funeral services. For consistently raising standards and championing excellence in the industry, the ICCM Journal deserves to win.”