Cash-strapped families dealing with loss are resorting to loan sharks or online fundraisers to cover funeral expenses, as highlighted in a recent report. One individual shared his experience of having to crowdfund his brother’s funeral due to financial constraints.
According to research, the average cost of a traditional attended funeral surged by 5.3% to £4,510 last year, marking the largest yearly increase since 2016. A survey revealed that 15% of individuals who arranged funerals recently faced significant financial challenges when paying for the services. Among those struggling, about 12% resorted to crowdfunding, while 8% borrowed money from unregulated lenders like loan sharks.
The spike in costs was attributed to rising cremation and burial fees, increased prices of coffins, and escalating living expenses, as outlined in a report by SunLife. In a poignant example, a young man shared his journey of fundraising for his brother’s funeral after his sudden passing.
The tragic loss of Karl-Frederick Hughes, a 20-year-old student who passed away following a severe epileptic seizure and cardiac arrest, led his family to seek financial support. With a fundraising target of £10,000 on GoFundMe, they have raised £3,000 for the funeral arrangements. Karl-Frederick’s brother, Max Hughes, emphasized the financial strain on their family, stating that burying a loved one, especially at a young age, should not be a financial burden on top of the emotional distress.
Max recounted Karl’s qualities, describing him as a caring, kind, and humorous individual who brought joy wherever he went. The family is now faced with organizing the funeral, eulogy, brochure, burial, and a wake to honor Karl-Frederick’s memory, estimating the overall costs to exceed £7,500.
Lindesay Mace from the Down to Earth funeral poverty service emphasized the emotional toll of struggling to afford a funeral, noting the adverse effects on individuals’ well-being and grieving process. The report highlighted that a basic attended funeral, without additional elements like memorials and flowers, has become the preferred choice in the UK, averaging £3,828 last year.
Research conducted with funeral directors and individuals involved in funeral arrangements revealed a concerning trend of rising funeral costs outpacing families’ financial capabilities. Mark Screeton, the CEO of SunLife, acknowledged the financial challenges families face in bidding farewell to their loved ones as costs continue to escalate.