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

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

I would so strongly recommend Family Funeral Services. I recently lost my
husband and Karan was so compassionate and professional. She supported his daughters when the visited him in the
Chapel of Rest and she made me so supported and that I was her priority especially on his funeral day,
Which was also my birthday, giving me a few minutes with him
at the hearse. She has inspired me to maybe look at doing work in a funeral parlour once I'm ready to return to work

Tina6yu .
March 29, 2022

I cannot recommend Family Funeral Services enough. We first used their services in October 2017 for my Auntie's funeral. Kim and Jo were so kind, supportive and understanding, helping us all through this difficult time. An extremely professional and compassionate service. Recently after the loss of our Mum, we used Family Funeral Services again. Once again we received excellent service. Michael helped us plan the day, and gave us guidance and ideas that we would not have necessarily thought of at such a difficult and sad time. Also, reassuring us, when we double/triple -checked arrangements by phone and emails (often out of Office hours). The Funeral was very special and unique for our lovely Mum. Thank you. Julie Colville

Julie Colville
March 30, 2018

I would just like to thank Michael and the team for all of their support in organising my father's funeral. We did not know how to approach it but after the first meeting, most things were agreed and a small list of queries remained. They treated the whole family with the right approach of care and compassion before and during the day and dealt efficiently with our queries and change of minds. Very professional approach to deal with a difficult day and I thoroughly recommend them. Thank you.

Andrew Clifford
October 3, 2019

At a time when you are so emotionally drained and upset, we were all treated with such kindness, my late husband was treated with respect when they came to transport to the chapel of rest. Tara made myself and my son‘s so welcome and thoroughly explained everything from start to finish, always pausing for any questions or if we needed time to think, we weren’t rushed or pressured into anything and helping us to come to the right decision when it all seemed too difficult. Every detail we made was followed on the day of the funeral and having a hug made all the difference. Thank you x

joanne underdown
January 6, 2023

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

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

A fully professional service from start to finish. Staff were sympathetic, understanding, discreet and helpful throughout the whole process.

Mark Bennett
January 5, 2022

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

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

Golden Charters Funeral Planner of the Year

Testimonials

Karan,

Just a short note, to say how grateful we were as a family to have you arrange mum’s funeral. It was a very difficult time but you were sympathetic and efficient throughout.

Many thanks

G, M & D

October 2020

Thank you Karan

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

Dear Michael

I would like to thank you for all for your help and thoughtfulness over the past weeks.

Kind regards

S

November 2020

Dear Michael

Dear Kim,

Can I please convey to Mr Lawrence our thanks for his effective and sensitive organisation of the event in the difficult current circumstances.

Yours sincerely

PR

December 2020

Dear Kim

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 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

Dear Karan

We cannot find the words to express our gratitude to you and your staff for the care we received in dealing with M’s funeral.

Your compassion and thoughtful efficiency were second to none. Northing was too much trouble and your patience allowed us to go at our own pace at a time when we were really struggling.

We certainly wouldn’t hesitate to recommend your company in the future and thank you from the bottom of our hearts.

Yours

C, H & H

December 2021

Dear Karan

To Karan & Jo

Thank you for everything and for a lovely send off for my mum ‘M’.

Best wishes from the Z Family

February 2021

Thank you for everything..

Just a little token to say thank you for caring for our little baby.

Thank you for making a hard thing that bit easier and for giving him the dignity and care he deserved for his very short life.

All the best

K&J

Just Want To Say .....

Dear Karan & Team

Thank you for helping us to achieve the best send off possible for our dad. As you know, our loss was very sudden and traumatic, and we very much appreciated your guidance and patience along the way.

F Family

September 2021

Dear Karan & Team

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