If you’re finding yourself reading this review of Evergreens because someone you love has passed away, I’m so sorry for your loss. I did the same thing when my father passed away suddenly and unexpectedly in November 2024. I reached out to Evergreens as two of my family members, my Auntie and my Cousin were also looked after by Evergreens but I had no part in their arrangements. When I first called Evergreens, I spoke to Steve and he promptly pulled over from driving to take my call. When I explained that my father was born and bred in Hull but passed in Durham, the moment Steve said “and you’ll be bringing him home”, I knew Evergreens were for us.
Evergreens don’t have big leather arm chairs or fancy gold lettering on their office windows, but what we received in care and understanding from them far surpassed our expectations and any fancy office.
My father was a Priest and had worked with Evergreens before, only two months before his passing when he led his sisters funeral. So when they brought my dear Dad from Durham for us, and they told us he recognised him, this made me feel so comforted.
Evergreens were understanding of our circumstance and gave guidance and allowed my brother and I to take our time making some decisions of my fathers funeral. It was the first time either of us were involved in the planning. We didn’t feel rushed or pressured and they answered all our questions.
We had initially been told by a local funeral directors in Durham who had collected my father that he may not be viewable. I’m sure if you’re reading this and are in that position, it’s an extremely upsetting thing to be told and to process. But Evergreens set our expectations and told us that he was indeed viewable. They put my father in his suit of choice. It was my first time seeing someone who had passed, but Steve and his team were so lovely and respectful with my Dad. I gave a picture of my father that was taken a few months prior and they trimmed his beard perfectly. He looked like my Dad, just sleeping. He looked so handsome in his suit. I had plenty of time with him, as did other family members.
On the day of my fathers funeral, the care and respect given was second to none, even allowing my fathers beloved dog to join us in the car, and at the church service with permission from the church. His funeral was perfect. At the end, we were not rushed to leave as we said goodbye to family that couldn’t join the continuation of the celebration of my fathers life with food and drink nearby. They dropped us off at our venue without hesitation.
Evergreens also advised us to have my father cremated at Lelley Fields. I personally picked up my father’s ashes less than a week later and the grounds and staff were wonderful, even offering for us to come back when we want his ashes transferred, which is free of charge. Dogs are also welcome on the beautiful grounds at Lelley Fields.
I’m sorry you find yourself making a hard decision. Sadly none of us want to think about our loved ones funeral and organising goodbyes. I hope I never have to use a funeral directors again, but death being inevitable for everyone we love, I know it’s something I will have to sadly do again. And when I do, I wouldn’t hesitate to use the care of Evergreens again.
Steve and team, you’ve left a precious everlasting mark on the memory of my Dad, and for that I thank you all.
