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Providing help and healing after the death of a baby in Plymouth
My Plea:
When Paul had been informed of his nomination, he felt privileged and overwhelmed. But soon began to worry when he received information from The Butterfly awards asking for a profile and of his experience. My father is an extremely modest man and would not give his opinion of himself or of his families as he has always referred to them. So, as his daughter I felt it was my responsibility to ensure the profile submitted was honest, heartfelt, and clearly showed the dedication my father gives to all his families.
Myself and my two brothers growing up, and even to this day our children now are always aware of our fathers/grandads’ ‘job’ it was commonplace (still is) for strangers to knock on our door at any time, on any day to inform dad about a loved one passing away and requesting he arrange the funeral. For dad to cancel and rearrange day trips, gatherings and the family holiday to accommodate his family’s funerals. For dad to answer his phone at home with ‘Wellens and Sons’ a natural and regular occurrence and for all in the house to be respectful and quiet, understanding that another family had lost a loved one. When the office lights are turned off and the doors are locked, its time for my dad to go home, but it has never meant he is off duty.
Paul started working for S. Wellens & Sons, March 1988. Not as a Funeral director or even a bereavement worker, but as a part-time driver. The dedication and qualities displayed by Paul quickly got him noticed and by 1992 he had been chosen to train as a Funeral director, it became quickly apparent that Paul had a natural affinity in his new role. The compassion, consideration, kindness and care that Paul demonstrates to all clients he interacts with was never part of the training he received, but a part of Paul himself. Paul puts himself in every funeral he arranges and directs, his words of comfort are heartfelt and genuine.
What Others Had To Say
Paul was nominated for The Butterfly Bereavement worker award by Christopher Winnard and Suzanne Lowe, when their little boy Willow-Paul came into the world asleep.
” We had met Paul the previous year when my older brother passed away. So when we arrived to the funeral home after a hospital appointment (still pregnant) he was shocked and saddened that we found ourselves here again so soon. Every thing I asked of him he did. I requested that if our baby didn’t survive that it would be made possible for Paul to come and collect Willow-Paul from the hospital and take him home, he did and he also took me and my partner with him. I know I phoned the funeral directors (it was a bank holiday so they were closed, he came out on what would have been a day off) So I feel we got more than any other grieving parent may have been given. The journey many long for, although a sad journey we were able to take our boy home. He went above and beyond on many occasions. Taking me home or arranging for one of his colleagues to take me home when I had been to see our baby. He bathed and dressed Willow for us. He got his hand and foot prints also got two locks of his hair. He helped me and my partner through such a very difficult time. He’s such a gentleman and in such difficult times to bear he helped lessen the load. For a while after I went for counselling at the funeral home, he would still arrange for one of his colleagues to make sure I got home safe. He recently did my mums funeral and still such a wonderful person trying to go the extra mile each and every time. This man should be given an award for just being a genuinely beautiful and caring human being. ”
Suzanne Lowe, Willow-Paul’s mummy.
Paul is an amazing man he helped me when i lost my son born asleep Paul went beyond what was expected he even got my son buried with one day because I was so upset with leaving him over the weekend because it was a bank holiday this man is amazing
I have known Paul as a personal friend most of my life,and nothing changes wether for work or friends.Paul has now been funeral director to all of my family members (Mum, Dad , Aunties,Uncle’s )He is without doubt the most caring,complete gentleman, in and out of work, nothing never to much trouble, this award is well deserved.
i have none paul for 45 years ,and he is a lovely honest man and just give ever thing to his job ,i am not surprized cos i new the type of man he was ,so all the best and good luck
I have known Paul for many years as a friend, also as I think I could say my very own funeral director as he has directed (mums , dads ,aunties,uncles) funerals. A devoted gentleman from start to finish (work or play )Paul is without doubt we’ll deserved of this award, Good luck
Lovely man genuinely cares for his families goes above and beyond.
As a family we have been blessed to have had Paul take care of our loved ones and provide support for all of us. As soon as you meet Paul his caring and professionalism shines through. Paul guides you through the difficult time ensuring everything is taken care of allowing you to grieve. Paul deserves this award for his years of unfaultering dedication to all.
So very proud to stand by Paul’s side and call this man my husband ❤️
Absolutely amazing, professional and passionate about his job and all he does. Highly experienced and dedicated. Love him lots and he deserves this more than anyone.
Professional
Articulate
Understanding
Listens
This is my abbreviation of Paul. All of the above and much much more. Paul goes more than that extra miles for his families, more than above and beyond.
Not only did Paul care for our family in the loss of Willow-Paul, which Suzanne has spoken about, but again when we lost my wife last December, he put himself completely at our disposal- Through tears, together we laughed at how he would “have to get Christine’s funeral right“- as with her Church connections at Langley, she and Paul had previously been involved in many funerals together and I gather my wife was a stickler for saying to him – “right we’re ready now!” – or some such, at the start of a service.
I can’t speak highly enough of his humble caring attitude and devotion to his work.
Paul has been fantastic support to our family over the years he was a good friend to mum and when she passed away he was there 24-7 for us and has been ever since I can’t speak highly enough of him
I live in Perth western Australia and on the 23 November I had the most terrible news not only my father passed away but my partner Abbie’s dad both passed away on exactly the same day.When we landed at Manchester airport until our return a few weeks later Paul green looked after both families in the most caring and professional manner.He not only helped us with the little things but went way above and beyond total expectations and it is with great pleasure that he gets my vote today as he deserves this recognition for everything he does not only for me but everyone else aswell.
A truly lovely caring and genuinely nice man. I’m very happy to say he’s my lovely work colleague and friend x
Paul is a amazing man he goes above and behond you so deserve this paul xxxx
A lovely man who was there when my gran and grandad passed away . Then in 2013 my son aged 12 deid and he came to my house to sort the funeral out then in 2015 and he came back to see me and sort his funeral out what a lovely man x
Paul is òne of the most caring man I have ever met heß helpful nothing to much for him he has done many funerals for my family and residents i have cared for no words could explain how nice this man is one in a million
My dad died in 2002 on Easter Sunday and Paul came all the way to Wales in phwelli to pick my dad up, I believe he was at a family christening at the time. He deserve it. Xxxxx
Paul is amazing at what he does! He helped me through the death of my baby girl, doing everything possible to make it the most beautiful day! An recently he helped us all through the death of my mum making sure everything was perfect! He truly is amazing! Doesn’t see his job as just “work” he genuinely cares for the families he helps!! couldn’t think of any better to get this! He deserves it so much xxx