Michael goes LE JoG

What on earth! And well you might ask. LE JoG is the Lands End to John o Groats walk, which I am completed in 2014.

I am started on 15th June at Lands End, and made it all the way to John o Groats!

Why? Good question. Two reasons actually. One a bit personal, and if you know me personally, you’ll know that part. The other is to raise some much needed funds for an incredible local charity, that is frequently described as Maidstones best kept secret.

The Blackthorn Trust

I went North, which wasn’t my original idea. I did think of heading into the sun and warmer weather. But the guide books (yes there are lots) all say to go north. With the wind and rain at your back, and without the sun shining in your face all the way.

I trained for just over a year, and I completed a 100 mile training walk, just to check that I could actually get up and walk continually for days on end. Also it was a great opportunity to check out my walking gear.

The staff in all the offices are also looking forward to me going, but for all the wrong reasons!

Here is a link to the Virgin Money Giving site where, should you wish, you may donate directly to Blackthorn. LEJoG

You can Track my tour at : Track my Tour.

Update!

I made it! I left Lands End on a spectacular day. 15th June 2014. A chap who was cycling to John o Groats said he would take my picture as he had never met a really crazy person before he shook my hand and wished me well.

Then I had the adventure of a life time. Never have I had such an amazing time. Here are some pictures from the journey…..

Google Reviews

I think the hanging baskets look really lovely.

Lea Moran
September 7, 2020

My husband did not want a 'conventional funeral' or any kind of memorial, he simply wanted a funeral director to remove him from his death bed and arrange his unpublicised cremation as convenient. There were to be no flowers, no church service, no 'wake'. The Family Funeral Service complied with all his wishes, even down to not notifying me of any arrangements until they were all completed. Towards the end of his life, he asked me to bury his ashes and these were returned to me as requested. I was given the advice I needed and he was given the simplicity he had asked for. I have since recommended these funeral directors to a friend who asked where she could find a company who would do the same thing for her.

Audrey Wilkinson
October 25, 2019

Family funeral service provided the cars for our wedding and we couldn't be happier. The drivers were professional and did everything they could to make our day very special

Jake Lambert
December 5, 2021

I wish to thank Michael Lawrence, Managing Director of Family Funeral Service, & all the members of his Team at their new Headcorn Branch, for enabling my brother's Funeral Service at Charing Crematorium last week to be so memorable, moving & sublime At every stage, the friendly staff were kind, courteous, sensitive & efficient, happily accommodating all our special requests & bringing the lovely Ceremony to a smooth & gentle conclusion on the day. This was no mean feat, given that they had only eight full days to complete all the arrangements. Without exception, each person was magnificent in achieving their own part in the procedure, making our family's bereavement that much easier to cope with. We could not have asked for better care or attention to detail & we will be forever grateful to the Family Funeral Service, especially to the members of the Headcorn office, for leaving us with such good memories.

Vijayanandi-Jeanette
July 26, 2018

The Family Funeral Service at Bearsted provided an excellent and very compassionate service. A big thank you to Kim, Karan and all the staff.

Nigel Barham
December 5, 2021

I would highly recommend FFS. The experience from the initial meeting planning my Dad's funeral, the actual service and interment of Dad's ashes was first class. The staff were all extremely kind, thoughtful and delivered a wonderful service. FFS also looked after my Mum's funeral a few years earlier and again were excellent providing much comfort to my Dad at the time. My Dad was very fond of Michael and the team and would have been touched that he was able to look after the funeral on the day and interment. Thank you to the team once again. Paul and family.

Paul Lipscombe
December 5, 2021

Could never thank Karan and the team for all they did for our family and for our dear Hilda. Forever grateful 🧡

Fearn Braidwood
March 5, 2022

Grateful thanks to Jo and her team for picking up the pieces and managing to calmly arrange everything in such a calm and dignified way. You were so friendly, helpful and efficient it really set our minds at rest. Your recommendations for the celebrant and florist were superb. From the moment we walked through the door we knew were in safe hands. The whole celebration of our Aunts life was moving and memorable.

Lucilla Dungay
March 30, 2019

Jo made a difficult time a lot easier with her friendly yet professional manner. Sitting down in the quiet room with a cup of tea to go through all the details. Sorting the transfer from hospital morgue to Headcorn. Getting me sorted with the team of bearers to help carry the coffin into the church. All these things meant so much and were done so well. Recommended without reservation. Thanks again to Jo and her team.

John Tebbit
December 10, 2019

A lovely business, showing real passion at a most difficult time. No ask was too great. Very accommodating with timings and the advice was excellent. The whole process was nicely done. Throughly reccomended.

Sarah Gerry
October 5, 2021

Golden Charters Funeral Planner of the Year

Testimonials

Dear Jo

Thank you so much or all your help to me and the family over the past few years, you made everything a lot easier to deal with.

Best wishes for Christmas and hopefully a happier New Year.

December 2020

Dear Jo

Dear Karan,

I’m sorry it has taken me so long to say a big “thank you” to you and the team at Bearsted. From our first contact you have been patient, compassionate, professional and understanding.

I know that P would have been very happy with everything. Everyone that I spoke to agreed that it was a lovely funeral. I’m really grateful that with your help, we were able to give P the send of that he would have approved of and deserved.

I do hope you had a break over Christmas (though your work is constant, I’m sure), and that it isn’t a busy as last years post- Christmas time.

Stay well and all the best for 2022.

Best wishes from GJ and family

January 2022

Dear Karan

A very big, heartfelt thank you to you, Fearn and all the other FFS staff who helped in so many ways with mum’s funeral arrangements.

Your kindness and understanding were amazing, not to mention your patience in dealing with my rather precise requirements for the order of service!

Many thanks also to the bearers on the day who carry out their work with such dignity. Ted and Christian deserve a special mention for their kind and considerate attitude on the night that mum died, but also for their helping me to carry in refreshments before the funeral!

You all deserve a lot of praise in carrying on Michael’s good work, I’m sure he is proud of you all.

With best wishes

SC

Dear Karan

Good morning,

My family and I would like to thank everyone who was involved with mums funeral, everything was just perfect, We know it was only a simple funeral but we all thought this was very adequate during this very difficult time.

Hope you all stay safe and well,

Kind regards

M, D, P and families.

Thank you

Dear Rik

The family and I would like to say thank you to you and your team for the support and guidance you all so kindly showed us right from the very beginning.

On the day of the funeral service your patience and professionalism came through and made the day bearable.

Our mum really appreciated all you did for us in the smooth running of the day and we would certainly recommend you and your team to others.

Kind regards

D & D

Dear Rik

To Karan and the Team,

Thank you so much for all your help in arranging D’s funeral. The day was overwhelming with the number of people who attended and we really appreciated how you ‘herded’ as many people as possible in the chapel with the overflow outside.

You really made a very sad day run smoothly.

Thank you once again.

L, D & L x

To Karan and the Team

Dear Mr Lawrence,

I would just like to thank you for all the care and consideration I have been given since my husband RH passed away.

I have dealt with Karen Le Quelenec on all occasions and I have to say that nothing has been too much trouble for her. She has been so helpful.

When we initially came to see Karan she dealt with us so sympathetically. I have had experience of another Funeral Directors in Maidstone where I had to sit through (what seemed like hours) of up-selling of coffins, and handles, which I found extremely stressful. There was none of that with Karan – she dealt with that side of things swiftly.

When I came to see Richard, he was draped in a lovely velvet blanket in a beautiful room. Rather than a previous experience of a dingy room and a dirty net curtain draped over the deceased.

Thank you so much. I would always recommend you.

Yours sincerely

VH

June 2021

I would just like to say.......

Jo

We would like to say a huge thank you for all your help and support. Allowing us to give our mum the send off she deserved.

You really made a hard day much easier and run smoothly.

Thank you again.

December 2020

Thank you

To Jo & all at Family Funeral Service,

My family and I would like to thank you for your support and professionalism leading up to and the day of my mum, BC’s funeral.

Best wishes

JP

Thank you to Jo at Headcorn

Dear Sir or Madam,

Please find enclosed donation in respect of our late sister Mrs P, I would like to thank you and your staff in the expert way you conducted the service for my sister, we all thank you very much.

Yours truly

FC

December 2020

Thank you very much

Dear Karan and Staff Thank you so much for organising M’s funeral on Friday at Vinters Park. You were attentive to all details and the end result was that we didn’t have to worry about anything, it was a very caring but professional service given by you all. Thank you, best wishes S, D and our families
September 2022

Dear Karan and Staff

To Karan and all at Family Funerals, We just wanted to say a huge thank you for all you have done for us and most importantly PG. You made a difficult time a lot easier. from J, K, K and J
September 2022

To Karan and all at Family Funerals

Dearest Tara Thank you so very much for being an absolute sweetheart throughout this painful process. Don’t know what we would have done without you. With immense gratitude forever. R, J & Family
September 2022

Dearest Tara

Dear Karan I would like to thank you and your colleagues on behalf of my family and myself for the way in which you organised the funeral of my late husband. The whole process was handled with great sensitivity and respect and I could not have wished for a better experience under the circumstances. Yours sincerely JB
6th September 2022

Dear Karan

To Karan and all the Family Funeral team, Thank you for the great funeral service you gave B, enjoy your chocolates! love from D, P & V

To Karan and all the Family Funeral team

A very big, heartfelt thank you to you, Fearn and all the other FFS staff who helped in so many ways with mum’s funeral arrangements. Your kindness and understanding were amazing, not to mention your patience in dealing with my rather precise requirements for the order of service! Many thanks also to the bearers on the day who carry out their work with such dignity. Ted and Christian deserve a special mention for their kind and considerate attitude on the night that mum died, but also for their helping me to carry in refreshments before the funeral! You all deserve a lot of praise in carrying on Michael’s good work, I’m sure he is proud of you all. With best wishes SC

Dear Karan

Dear Karan The family would like to thank you and your team so much for the way you handled A’s funeral. You took care of every detail – down to the impressive way you made the lorry back up just as we were leaving the church approach! The ushers were seriously respectful and the way you managed the guests – before, during and after the service was calm and assured. We felt very ‘looked after’. Thank you so much, V, S and A

Dear Karan

Dear Karan and the Family Funeral Service, Thank you for your support and care given to our family in this very sad times. We can not say enough how much we appreciate taking care of A for us. Knowing you can sort everything needed for his beautiful funeral service gave us peace. Everything was beautiful and we felt safe to trust such an important day with you. Best regards A, A, A, A
July 2022

Thank you

Dear Karan I am writing to say, once again, thank you for the kindness and consideration shown to me during a very difficult time. Losing my nephew was not only a shock but also it happened so very quickly, I was living in a daze and to know I had you there for me was a real comfort. I have never had to do something like this before alone and having you to guide me made it a lot easier. Thank you, kind regards ST

I am writing to say......

To Karan and the Family Funeral Service A little note to say you have done a fantastic job for my late husband’s memorial service in this difficult time. On behalf of our family we wish to thank you for your professional services during our time of loss. We look forward to a lasting friendship. Kind regards HS

A BIG thank you