Name: Kat Spencer
Organisation: Cheddar & District Funeral Directors Ltd.
Award Category: Bereavement Worker
Sponsored By:
Voting Is Now Closed
My Plea:
Losing a loved one can often be the hardest time of someone’s life, let alone the difficulty of losing a child or baby.
I started my career when I left college at 18 years old and 5 years ago I was made the Office Manager of a family owned and run Funeral Directors.
As a mum of two children, I feel that this really helps me to empathise with the families that I meet with. I am a great judge of character and often feel that I can get to know people quite quickly. I can tell those people who need some distance and their own space to deal with their emotions and those who just need a cuddle.
When meeting with families, as I have done over the years, I find that it is very important to give them the options available to them yet allowing them the time and space to make their own induvial choices. I am always alongside them to guide them through the whole process of the funeral service and give help and advice where it is needed.
I have always been a believer that often simple things are the most effective. Often for baby funerals, I will personally arrange for a basket of rose petals to be placed at the graveside, to allow the parents and close family members to be able to scatter these at the graveside, as a softer and more gentle approach to the traditional ways.
I am so honoured to receive this nomination from Sara and her family and am still very touched by her kind words. Being able to meet with their lovely family and accommodate their requests and offer suggestions of ‘compromise’ for when some decisions gave different outcomes, ensured that Oliver was given the best care before he was settled into his final resting place.
What Others Have Said
Kat was the funeral director for the funeral of my grandson Oliver who was stillborn at the end of June. We couldn’t have hoped for a more understanding person to help us through the most difficult time we have ever faced. She went above and beyond and always made us feel that it was fine to be having a meltdown or be unable to make decisions. The care she gave to Oliver reassured us and nothing was too much to ask for. Her suggestions for the service and burial made such a difference and we can look back and know that we would change nothing. Most of all, the compassion she showed helped us all to make it through despite our needs as a family being very different, showed that she had a true understanding of stillbirth and the rawness you feel when this devastating event happens
I have known Kat in a personal level for many years. When my father was given a terminal diagnosis she was the first person I called. She has a way of calming the angry heart. She was the only person I trusted with my father when he passed ….
A couple of years later when I lost my Grandma it was Kat that dealt with everything from start to finish. I cannot express my gratitude for everything she has done for us.
I met kat 2 yes ago when I lost my husband. This is more than a lady in a job, she is a angel. Me and my daughter would not have coped without kat. From day one seeing my hubby was no rush was to much one time so she took my daughter out of the office to feed the ducks. While I stayed chatting away to Phil_ my husband. Day of funeral my daughter remembers well kat cuddling her.and her suit getting covered in glitter from her wreath. We owe so much to Kat. She deserves this award so much. Genuine beautiful woman with a heart if Gold. XX
An outstanding member of the funeral business industry, always willing to go that extra mile to ensure that the bereaved families are looked after & reassured.
Kat has a very caring kind nature and nothing is to much trouble . Her eye for detail goes above and beyond. Such a lovely person
What can I say about kat lost my husband 2 yrs ago me and my youngest daughter would not have coped without kat. From first time of meeting her, she was like a angel. It was not just like a job. She allowed us to come and sit with my husband and it was to much for my youngest she took her outside of the office to feed the ducks. She never once rushed us. The day we had to say goodbye my daughter still as memories of kat cuddling her and getting her suit covered in glitter from my daughters wreath. We owe so much to kat got tears even writing this. This award coulnt go to a nicer genuine woman as kat. Xx
Kat is a very compassionate and understanding person. She goes above and beyond to make sure everything is just right for the family involved. She deserves to be recognised for her kindness helping people deal with their bereavement .
Kat has done the most incredible thing. She has made such a positive effect out of what most would deem a negative one & know she is highly regarded, respected & admired not only by her peers in her industry but ultimately those she serves & of course the community she both lives & works in. She is truly an inspiration & a young lady who others who aspire to follow her example.
Kat is so caring, compassionate and extremely professional, she helped my Dad, my brother and me so well after my mums death 10 years ago nothing was too much trouble and was always on hand to talk and listen to us. She is well known and well respected and greatly valued in our village and community and has helped us in our darkest hours.
I have known Kat for about 8 years when she helped with a funeral of someone I called my adopted Dad. She has the qualities that are so important when dealing with grief… I’ve come to know her through her son being the same school year as my granddaughter and she is the same in every day life full of care and kindness. She deserves this award
Kat dealt beautifully with my mothers partners funeral. She was so on the ball with all the arrangements, compassionate and highly professional. She went above and beyond to make sure everything was done even though the funeral was in Milton Keynes. She was an incredible support to our family, guiding us and genuinely caring. She is a beautiful person in every way and truly deserves this award.
I’ve known Kat as a friend over the years. I’m lucky to not have needed the heir funeral service. However, she is empathic and kind hearted. She has offered support during difficult times without request. She helped me with my daughter on a day when it could have been a disaster. She is friendly, smiley and good to be around. Good luck Kat.
I have known this lovely LADY Kat for quite awhile and have also worked with her as a stander bearer for R B L and Military services and I always know there will be no hiches and everything will be fine .My only hope is that she is still be around when my time comes as I know the job will be done well ( and no coming back ) .Could not be awarded to a more deserving PERSON
Such a beautiful, kind and caring soul. Kat is amazing
kat is such a caring, kind and lovely person. she did fantastic at our nans funeral. she deserves this award
I have seen Kat at work a number of times, she is always caring, kind, compassionate and highly professional. Nothing is ever to much trouble for her to make sure that every detail is attended to.
When my son was diagnosed with a rare brain condition last year, kat was there. One of the first people to get in contact. She has an incredibly calming manor about her. She just has a way of putting you at ease. She has been there for me on a number of occasions when my life has been difficult. She might not remember but I certainly do and I will never forget. She really is an angel.
I could think of no better person to win this award. I have personally witnessed Kats professionalism as she brings assurance and confidence that their loved one is going to have a memorable and fitting farewell. She always makes the family and friends of lost loved ones feel secure and safe. Kat does all of this consistently with a caring and compassionate approach. This award could not be given to a more deserving person.
Kat is kind and compassionate. I cannot think of someone more worthy of this award.
Kat’s job is one of the hardest in the world- her job is to guide and support families, which she excels at, during one of the worst times in their lives whilst organising the whole funeral process professionally. It’s not a job that I could do, and really demonstrates her amazing strength of character.
❤️❤️❤️❤️
I’m sure it’s been said many times on how professional Kat is in everything she does. I have known her for many years and can say that she is one of the most caring and thoughtful person that I know and she certainly deserves an award for all that she does.
Kat is one of the most loveliest people I’ve ever come across. She helped arrange a family funeral and we couldn’t fault her. It is no surprise that she has been nominated for such a prestigious award. Good luck Kat. We wish you all the best! The Reynolds Family x
As a young mother, Kat seems to have a particular empathy for those who have lost a child. She is always kind and very professional, but when it comes to dealing with funerals for children it is always very apparent just how much she cares. No one deserved this award more than she does.
Kat is an outstanding person through and through, she is very compassionate, caring, empathetic and just an all round star. She takes on a very professional role with care that’s next to none.