Facts & Figures

The cost of funerals in the UK rose by an average of 61% in the five years to 2005. The average cost of a burial rose to £3307, and of a cremation to £1954.

American Life Insurance Company Inc

After Death

Failure to let your wishes be known as to what should be done with your body after death can cause enormous anguish and distress to your family.

The simple expedient of drawing up an Advance Funeral Directive will make clear your wishes as to the type of funeral you wish to have - burial, cremation, non-religious ceremony, for example. You can also stipulate what music, poems, or readings you want at the ceremony, or indeed any other details.

Possibly the worst type of distress occurs if death comes unexpectedly and your family is asked for consent to use some of your organs -and they are unaware of what you would have wanted. Organ Donation can save or improve the quality of many lives. If you want to donate your organs you need to declare that such is your wish, and let your family know this.

Similarly, if you would like to Donate your Body for the purposes of Medical Research or Training you need to make your wishes known.