SPONSORED EDITORIAL

Funerals are never a good or easy time for grieving friends and loved ones.

But in an age where many funeral services are sometimes impersonal and money-driven, it is imperative that the families are put first and all the options are explained carefully.

And that is why this independent funeral provider - with branches in Maidstone and Ashford - is determined to make sure families and individuals experience a funeral that is both personal and affordable.

Albany Funerals recently won the Association of Green Funeral Directors (AGFD) Good Funeral Award for Funeral Director of the Year at a special event at Port Lympne Hotel and Reserve in Hythe.

The awards were designed to celebrate excellence in the funeral profession across the UK and was hosted in Kent for the first time.

Winning the prestigious national competition is a testament to all the hard work being done by the team at Albany Funerals and recognition from the many families that put their trust in the funeral home.

“For us, the most important thing is to be there for the families and individuals going through the hardest of times,” said Albany Funerals owner Jo Williamson.

“We aim to bring the highest standards of service to families across the entire county and beyond at an affordable cost. We accommodate traditional, modern and low-cost funerals.

“At a time when it’s extremely hard to think clearly, our expertise is in helping the bereaved understand all the options available to them, so that the funeral is the very best it can be.

“Being independent of the big chains means we can offer the best care, value and ethics without compromise.”

In recent years, there has been a rise in the number of people turning away from traditional funeral customs and instead embracing more personal and poignant send-offs.

For many, unique touches can be the perfect way to say goodbye to their loved ones.

“Although we offer traditional funerals, we also think outside the box to help some families who want to create a unique send off, even in alternative places other than crematoriums or churches,” Jo continued.

“We can help them find different venues to host memorial services at no further cost even if that includes dedicating more time to make that moment just that more special and unique.”

“In fact, many families actually tell us that they were not even aware that could hold a service in their preferred locations. Other people I’ve spoken to have even told that they wished they had known before.”

Speaking about their recent success at the Good Funeral Awards 2019, Jo explained, “We are now in our tenth year of business, and I can remember somebody years ago telling me that it would take ten years to get recognised.

"We are really passionate about what we do, and this award is just such a blessing."

For more information about Albany Funerals, visit the official website by clicking here, telephone 01622 746 688 (Maidstone), 01233 650 746 (Ashford) or email info@albany-funerals.co.uk.