A LEDBURY man who conducts non-religious funerals has praised the writers of ITV soap Coronation Street for one of its current storylines.
Millions of TV viewers will tune in to the long-running soap tonight (Friday) to see cancer sufferer Hayley Cropper’s humanist funeral after she ended her own life in an emotional episode last Monday (January 20).
Chris Edwards is an accredited celebrant in the Ledbuy and Malvern area for the British Humanist Association, which has helped advise ITV producers on what a humanist funeral might involve.
And Mr Edwards told the Observer the screening of Hayley’s humanist funeral will raise awareness to people to what other ceremonies are available after the passing of a loved one.
“The death of Coronation Street character, Hayley Cropper and her humanist funeral is a great chance to bring this type of ceremony to the public’s attention,” he said.
“If you’re not religious you won’t want a church lead funeral but you may not be sure what else is available.
“Hayley’s funeral on Coronation Street will do a great job in letting people know that there is an alternative – and that it’s a really good one.
“We’re all unique and lead such different lives. It’s only right that a funeral reflects this and focuses on the person who has died as an individual.
“We want an occasion that is about celebrating a life led and the relationships forged with family and friends, as well as being able to share sadness.”
Hayley’s funeral will be screened at 7.30pm and 8.30pm on ITV.
