21-year-old who prepares bodies for funerals even planned his own ceremony at the age of 18 ‘just in case’

A 21-year-old who prepares bodies for funerals and even planned his own at 18 “just in case” something happens to him, admits his career is “not what you’d really expect” for someone his age, having studied electrical engineering.

Edward Cox, a funeral service operative for Co-op Funeralcare from Swillington, West Yorkshire, chose the funeral industry despite studying electrical engineering at sixth form, as he was inspired by the work of his family friends who were funeral directors.

While his friends found his career choice “unusual,” Edward, who is single, was “so excited” to land the role in 2022 and finds it very “rewarding” to support families during their most difficult moments.

He takes great pride in his work carefully applying makeup, styling hair, and dressing the deceased, viewing it as the “last kind thing you can do for someone”.

His experience has even led him to plan his own funeral, despite having no known health issues, complete with traditional hymns, bell ringing, and bright flowers – a decision his loved ones thought “made common sense”.

Edward told PA Real Life: “I know it’s not your standard kind of thing for someone my age, it’s not what you’d really expect.

“But it’s not all doom and gloom – I love my job.

“I wouldn’t swap it for being an electrician that’s for sure, it’s such a rewarding job.

“You never know when you’re going to pass away, but I wanted to (plan my own funeral) just in case something happens – some people don’t have an official plan and I think it can be a bit stressful.

“You can update the plan over time – you know, depending on whatever trends are in.

“A lot of people don’t think about death or think I’m being morbid, but I think it’s just about having a plan.”

After completing a Level 3 Diploma in Electrical Engineering at sixth form in 2022, Edward decided to follow his passion for funeral care instead of becoming an electrician.

“I have some family friends, quite a few of them, who have been, and still are, funeral directors, and I’ve always liked their outlook on life,” he explained.

“I think because they saw a lot of people at the worst point in their life, it gives them that view that you don’t know how much longer you’ve got left.

“You don’t know how life’s going to go, so I think it’s about making the most of it and also taking a light-hearted look at life.

“I’ve always liked helping people, and I’d like to say I’m a good person who wanted to provide a service.”

His loved ones were “really supportive” of his decision.

At 18, Edward was “so excited” when he discovered a job advert at his local Co-op Funeralcare branch, even though its main responsibilities involved caring for the deceased.

At that time, Edward didn’t fully understand what looking after the deceased entailed.

He admitted:  “When I learnt more about it, it was eye-opening how much care and attention goes into it.

“I think a lot of people just see the hearse on the day of the funeral, but they don’t necessarily consider the effort, time, and care that’s been put in beforehand.”

He was “very pleased” to have secured the job after an interview, but when he told his friends about the role, a lot of them were “confused” and thought it was “unusual”.

He said: “When I first started, a lot of people asked me, ‘Do you handle bodies and look after the deceased?’ and when I said, ‘Yes’, people kind of pulled a funny face because I don’t think they see it how I do.

“I see it as the last kind thing you’re going to do for someone, and it’s got to be good, professional, and caring – I think it’s a rewarding job.

“I do things from start to finish and it’s very rewarding and I get a lot of satisfaction knowing we’ve provided the best service we can.”

He explained his day-to-day role: “I prepare the deceased for viewing and funeral services, which could involve going to a hospital or someone’s home when they’ve passed away and bringing them into our care.

“Then, once the death has been registered, we start on the preparations.

“So that’s the aesthetic look of the deceased – the hair, makeup, and dressing them behind the scenes.”

Over time, he has “gotten used to” seeing clients upset and dealing with the emotional side of his work.

He added: “Obviously, it’s hard to see people upset, especially when we go to what we call a ‘first call’, which is when we go to a house.

“Often, the death can be quite sudden, and it’s very raw for a lot of families, but you kind of have to distance yourself from it and not think about yourself.

“You’ve got to focus on being supportive to the family.

“I don’t really show emotion in general – it’s not really my thing.

“I’m not someone who cries a lot or anything like that, and I have a strong face as well, and that helps.”

Since working in the funeral industry, Edward has realised the importance of planning your own funeral to help your loved ones.

Within the first few weeks of being in the job, he even formally planned his own.

His funeral plan includes a traditional coffin with an emerald green interior and bright flowers on top.

He has also specified traditional hymns and that it be held at his local church, where he is a bell ringer.

“I’ve put in the plan that I’d like the bells to be rung, as I’ve rung the bells for other people’s funerals in the past,” Edward added.

“I find it makes it more of a celebration of life – it shouldn’t be a sad occasion.”

When he told his loved ones about his plans, they thought it “was a good thing to do and makes common sense.”

“I’ve seen through working here that when there’s a plan, it helps the family a lot because it takes a weight off,” he said.

“Hopefully, my funeral is a long way off, but it gives me a lot of reassurance.”

For more information, visit: www.coop.co.uk/funeralcare.