Funeral Firm Seeks Tandem Hearse to Fulfill Deceased Man’s Final Wish

A funeral company is appealing for assistance to locate a “tandem hearse” to enable a man who passed away last week to embark on a final journey with his friends. A Natural Undertaking, a Birmingham-based company specializing in bespoke funeral services, is attempting to secure one of these specialized bicycles for an individual who pre-arranged his memorial service. “That was his request – to go to where he’s going to, with four friends, and he wants a final ride with them,” stated Kerri Deeley, an undertaker at the company. A tandem hearse can either accommodate two riders with a coffin attached to the side, or four riders with a coffin positioned on a central platform. Ms Deeley reported that she had identified a company capable of supplying a tandem hearse in October, during her initial meeting with the man to discuss his funeral arrangements. He had planned for his friends to undertake a four-mile ride with his body to his designated burial spot. However, upon Ms Deeley’s subsequent contact with the company after his death, she learned that their tandem hearse was unavailable due to necessary repairs. “I’ve literally tried the length and breadth of Britain to try and locate another one,” she informed BBC Radio WM. The funeral company, which maintains offices in Kings Heath and Hall Green, is now hoping members of the public can provide leads. A Natural Undertaking frequently collaborates with individuals facing terminal illness who wish to arrange distinctive funeral services. Ms Deeley mentioned that they have previously organized memorials featuring fancy dress and biker themes, including one instance where the deceased requested to be attired as a clown. “It’s a nice memory to have for the family. They’ve done what they can to make their loved one’s final journey how they want it to be,” she commented. “It’s such a fulfilling job. When we get into the cars afterwards, we look at ourselves and think: ‘We did that, we made that wish come true’.” Information and updates from BBC Birmingham are available on BBC Sounds, Facebook, X, and Instagram. This material is copyrighted by BBC 2024; all rights are reserved. The BBC does not assume responsibility for the content of external websites. Further details on the BBC’s approach to external linking are available.