A funeral services company has announced a key addition to its team to drive growth and enhance the support offered to families across the East Durham area.
Delanoy Funeral Services has recruited Caitlin Sharp as a funeral co-ordinator. Caitlin, 25, from Hartlepool, is a qualified nurse, having graduated from Teesside University with a degree in adult nursing.
But for many years she had a desire to work in the funeral industry, particularly supporting the families of loved ones who had passed away.
So when the opportunity to join Peterlee and Easington-based Delanoy came up, Caitlin jumped at the chance.
She said: “After graduating I was working in a hospital as a nurse, but I knew my heart wasn’t in it.
“It was during the Covid pandemic and it was so incredibly hard. In fact, on my first day on the ward we lost 18 people which was heartbreaking.
“And a big part of me thought, what is going to happen to them? Are they looked after properly when they leave the ward?
“Because deep down I knew working with the deceased and helping their families was what I’d always wanted to do.”
Caitlin decided to take the plunge, leave nursing, and join a funeral home in Hartlepool where she gained valuable experience in the role. Through that funeral home she was introduced to Julie and John at Delanoy’s, so when she saw the job advertised she applied.
“I came for an interview, and they offered me the job. I was over the moon — honestly, it’s the best thing I’ve ever done.”
Julie and her business partner John Delanoy launched Delanoy Funeral Services in August 2020 at the peak of the Covid pandemic, after being introduced through a mutual friend.
Although from very different backgrounds — John being the fifth generation of Delanoys to work for his family funeral business and Julie coming from a marketing background — they decided they would work well together.
Now, nearly six years down the line, they have won multiple awards and industry accolades and, through their personalised approach to giving the individual the send-off they want and deserve, have really transformed the way funerals are conducted.
With the addition of Caitlin to the team, taking their workforce to five, Julie believes they can offer families an even better service as they prepare to say goodbye to their nearest and dearest.
Julie said: “We pride ourselves on the personal service we offer to families, on the little details and touches that give their loved ones the send-off they deserve. However, such has been the demand in recent months that we have been working around the clock.
“While we’re happy to do that, and we love what we do, we knew we needed an extra pair of hands to help us manage things. Someone who could come in that was experienced and could help with some of the day-to-day jobs behind the scenes, office management and funerals.
“When I met Caitlin I knew she was the right fit, and it was perfect timing as she was looking for a permanent job that gave her the security that she didn’t have in her previous role.
“I am delighted to say she’s been an absolute godsend since starting with us at the start of the year, and gives John and I the support we need to continue to help families across the area as they prepare for what is often the hardest thing they’ll ever have to do.”
Caitlin added: “I am loving the job. It’s what I have always wanted to do and I love being able to help the families who have lost loved ones. If I can make the process that little bit easier for them, I know I am doing something right.”