Final Journey

"Professional and caring service"

Reviewed by dawjen on Monday 17 February 2020

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We first became aware of Final Journey when we attended the cremation of a neighbour several years ago and were very impressed with the simple yet dignified service provided by Tracy and knew it was what we would both like when our time came. Following my wife's death I contacted Tracy and she could not have been more helpful and compassionate. She understood what I wanted for my wife and kept me informed at every stage of the arrangements. I cannot thank her enough for the support she provided at a particularly difficult time. If you want a professional and caring service then I would recommend Final Journey.

dawjen would recommend Final Journey to friends.

"Extraordinary, caring, loving, warm and above all else flawless service"

Reviewed by JH on Monday 15 July 2019

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Exceptional is the first word that comes to mind when thinking back on how lovingly, caringly and respectfully Tracy handled my father’s funeral.

From the first moment of walking through the door at Final Journey I knew Tracy was the one to put my trust in with this sad task, and I was not wrong! My father had written down everything that he wanted, but it wasn’t to be a normal straight forward cremation, but a more personal service was needed This remarkable lady managed flawlessly to arrange every single wish, from the music requested, to one of the best celebrants I have ever seen. I must be honest and say that in the beginning we were not really happy to go with a celebrant however that feeling went away very quickly once we had the pleasure of meeting her, the celebrant that Tracy chose handled the service as if she had known my Father all his life she was remarkable and a real credit to her profession.

Final Journey managed to make a very sad time feel uplifting, eye-opening and a very special experience which can only be credited to Tracy’s remarkable abilities as a funeral director. 

JH would recommend Final Journey to friends.

" Unique and caring service"

Reviewed by evelynwolvey@hotmail.com on Wednesday 26 June 2019

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Tracy organised everything for our sister's funeral in a very professional and caring manner.  She was extremely calm, compassionate and supportive throughout.  She arranged everything just as we wanted and we know our sister would have approved!  We would have no hesitation in recommending Tracy to anyone.  

evelynwolvey@hotmail.com would recommend Final Journey to friends.

"First class caring service"

Reviewed by JanisJones on Thursday 23 May 2019

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Following the very sudden death of our mother we contacted Tracy at Final Journey. From the initial phone call to the burying of her ashes Tracy was with us every step of the way. She was so supportive and caring, which meant a lot.

 Tracy and her colleague Jen did us proud on the day of the funeral. We could not recommend them highly enough. Thank you so much for doing what you do. 

JanisJones would recommend Final Journey to friends.

"Relaxed and caring"

Reviewed by Wblacklock on Sunday 10 March 2019

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From the beginning of the Journey I felt overwhelmed with what was needed to orangise a funeral, I didn’t know where to start. 

A family member gave me advice and recommended Tracy to me, from getting in contact with Tracy everything fell into place and I felt relived I had someone so professional and passionate to help organise her final wishes. 

What I really liked about Tracy was on arrival she greeted our loved one and turned and asked how we were doing, this filled us with comfort, knowing her final journey is going to be relaxed and peaceful. 

I also liked that Tracy wasn't dressed in all black, even the vehicle to collect our loved one wasnt a traditional black car, the little touch of not wearing all black, was more relaxed and didn’t overwhelm us. 

I would highly recommend Final Journey to anybody who has lost a loved one as I believe it is the best decision we made to send her off with dignity.

Thanks again Tracy. 

Wblacklock would recommend Final Journey to friends.

"Excellent service"

Reviewed by Shopper on Friday 02 November 2018

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Tracy provided a first class service. She treated my husband with dignity and respect which gave me great comfort. She called me when he was with her and said “ don’t worry, I am going to look after him, he isn’t alone”. I knew in that moment I had made the best decision in choosing her to organise the funeral.

Tracy was professional, informative and imaginative. She made recommendations that made the day extremely personal and special. 

I would highly recommend Final Journey. 

Shopper would recommend Final Journey to friends.

"Superb service! "

Reviewed by slcunn on Monday 27 August 2018

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Outstanding service from start to finish, felt like it was a friend helping us rather than a business of the sudden passing of my Dad. The empathy and genuine caring nature from Tracey helped us tremendously give my Dad the send off he deserved. Would definitely recommend and have recommended to others already. Little things down to the colour of the Final Journey van and the clothes Tracey wore made the experience less scary and daunting rather than the usual black and "grim reaper' style. Couldnt thank Tracey enough. 

slcunn would recommend Final Journey to friends.

"Compassionate, caring and professional "

Reviewed by EvaForan on Friday 04 May 2018

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I lost my husband after a short and intense fight against cancer. A healthy man who was never ill to 6 weeks after being diagnosed he was gone. I cannot begin to describe how I felt, how I am feeling...

I met Tracy in a previous business networking event and immediately thought of her and called her.

Final Funeral provides a personal service. Tracy came to see me several times throughout the funeral arrangements and she listened to what I wanted and how to respect my husband's wishes. He wanted a no-fuss, no service and a simple funeral. Music was his passion.

She was compassionate, gave good advice and more importantly she was keen to deliver what's right for me and my family. There was no pressure to do more - just gently hand holding and suggestions.

The funeral was at Roucan Loch Crematorium, Dumfries, a beautiful, tranquil place with a spectacular view. We played a selection of his favourite songs and reflected on his life. Flowers were beautifully arranged in a musical theme. It was simple and totally reflected what he would have wanted and gave us the time to say goodbye.

After the funeral, Tracy delivered his ashes to me. She even took the care and attention to choose a musical patterned scatter tube for the urn. Her thoughtfulness made all the difference in what was a very sad time for us.

In today's business world of commercialisation, Final Journey Funerals and the personal touch Tracy gave were excellent and I would highly recommend anyone to use them.

You will only be pleasantly surprised at how much she'd listened and delivered.

Thank you to Tracy and all at Final Journey Funerals for making a very painful time bearable and memorable.

EvaForan would recommend Final Journey to friends.

"Perfect service provided"

Reviewed by Wayne1 on Friday 02 February 2018

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I was recommended to call Tracey by my wife, to deal with my mothers passing due to her being told good things of the company and I wasn’t disappointed. Tracey is a lovely woman and extremely professional. 

I have been to, and been a part of a number of funerals and I enjoyed the refreshing ‘non gloomy’ approach of the company. I can’t speak highly enough of Tracey who obviously takes great pride in the service she provides. 

I had a few quotes and final journey are by far the best value for money, where you get the best possible service at the best price. Even though it’s not nice to discuss money and quotes at this difficult time for anyone dealing with a funeral to organise,this is a matter of fact.

If you live in and around the Carlisle area and find yourself needing this service do not look any further.

Wayne1 would recommend Final Journey to friends.

"service with grace"

Reviewed by ghitathomas on Thursday 07 December 2017

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My family knew our mother was going to die soon and we wanted to be sure that whatever arrangements we made were to be fully considered and fulfill her wishes whilst we as a family were still able to do so coherently.  I rang Tracy before my mother died and we discussed the process that we thought would be most suited to our needs.  We did not want to have a traditional funeral and service; but to have a party to celebrate Mum's life with sherry, great food and jazz. Something of which she would have approved and would have had a lot of fun had she been there. 

Tracy was so empathetic to our thoughts and wishes and dealt with everything she could to help make this happen.  From that first phone call; her compassion and attention to our wishes was second to none.  Mum died a few days later. She helped us through all the legal aspects with compassion, empathy and tissues! I was so appreciative of the call she made to me after she had collected Mum from the hospital when she said, 'I now have your Mum in my care and will look after her for you.'

Later when I collected the ashes from her we spoke about dying and funerals and what a taboo subject this is in modern society.   She said that helping people through this time was the best job in the world.

This shows in every aspect of her professional service to us – it felt as though we had a friend on board during this extremely difficult time.  

Thank you Tracy, from us all; I’m sure that Mum would be thanking you too!

ghitathomas would recommend Final Journey to friends.

"Funeral Arrangements"

Reviewed by ianlivingstone52@sky.com on Sunday 26 November 2017

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After the sudden death of my father and very dear grandad, my family were unsure what to do, who to contact and were generally feeling overwhelmed with our loss. 

My wife contacted Final Journey and spoke to Tracy.  She immediately gave us the reassurance and support we so desparately needed and guided us through each step of the process. 

She initially came to the house and spoke to us about different options.  She then went on to provide us with a bespoke funeral that we all wanted which was so refreshing to other funerals we had experienced. 

Nothing was too much trouble for her.  She suggested so many things that we hadn't thought about.  The children were able to write little notes to their grandad which were then tied to the coffin so that it felt like he was wrapped up in a blanket of love and somehow made the funeral a little easier for them. 

I would definately recommend using Final Journey if you want a relaxed, personable, unstuffy and bespoke funeral for your loved ones.

"Lasting memories of a unique farewell" is exactly what you get with Final Journey.

ianlivingstone52@sky.com would recommend Final Journey to friends.

"Just Perfect"

Reviewed by TessCorcos on Friday 24 November 2017

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Tracy has created a business that enables you to find a positive out of what is usually a very negative time. 

I knew I didn't want a funeral for my mum but until recently had no idea that this was possible. I was anxious about approaching a "traditional " funeral director to find out if this was available then  a friend gave me the details for Final Journey .

Choosing to have no service, no fuss, no funeral doesn't mean you don't care. Tracy understands that.

She will allow you to choose what is right for you 

 THANKYOU SO MUCH

TessCorcos would recommend Final Journey to friends.

"Perfect send off"

Reviewed by q7621998 on Thursday 02 November 2017

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Following the passing of our mother, we contacted Final Journey to handle the funeral arrangements and immediately from our initial meeting, Tracy made us feel totally relaxed and reassured about the whole process. Tracy recommended Stuart Stokell to read the eulogy which was a fantastic way of encapsulating our mothers life. Very professional and compassionate throughout, always willing to help and even rearranging some issues at the last minute. I would wholly recommend Final Journey to anyone at this saddest of times

q7621998 would recommend Final Journey to friends.

"Thank you"

Reviewed by GillMcLoughlin on Sunday 15 October 2017

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A big thank you to Tracy.

A lovely simple service, just what we asked for. Delivered with respect and dignity.

Thank you once again.

Fred & Betty Skinner and family.

GillMcLoughlin would recommend Final Journey to friends.

"Simple but Beautiful"

Reviewed by chrisfitz on Thursday 28 September 2017

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From start to finish Tracy was an absolute 'Rock' . She was so calm and caring it was like talking to a member of my family and not an absolute stranger. I felt I could trust her with every aspect of my Brother's Funeral and she proved me right. It was a Simple Funeral but 'Said it All' just what my Brother would have wanted, and his friends and family.

So a BIG THANK YOU for being professional but understanding.

chrisfitz would recommend Final Journey to friends.

"A fantastic service"

Reviewed by Mallard098 on Thursday 22 June 2017

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My mother, myself and my sister spoke with Tracy following my father's passing.  She is a lovely lady, understanding, and compassionate.  She arranged the funeral exactly as we asked, and it was a credit to her.   We never asked a price, we knew she was the one regardless of cost.  Her invoice was a pleasant surprise, as it came in far less than we had expected.

i would highly recommend Final Journey, their professional service was second to none.

Thank you so much Tracy.

Vanessa

Mallard098 would recommend Final Journey to friends.

"Just the way we wanted it!"

Reviewed by jfaulkner on Wednesday 21 June 2017

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Thank you, thank you to Tracy Lazonby, Final Journey.  There are not enough words to say how brilliantly my dad's death and funeral were handled but the whole family would like to thank Tracy from the bottom of our hearts. We all felt at ease from the moment we called at 11.45pm that we had picked the right person.

The Compassion, attention to detail was amazing.  We felt in control of all proceedings and nothing was too much trouble. Always ask if you want to do things different and if it is possible Tracy will see that it happens. Tracy will lead you through everything that needs to be done and keep in touch via txt, phone, e mail which ever suits you best.

Tracy was very clear in all her costing which helps to put your mind at rest when dealing with stress of losing a loved member of the family.

If you are in the sad place of losing a loved one, I highly recommend using Final Journey

Julie x

jfaulkner would recommend Final Journey to friends.

"An uplifting experience"

Reviewed by Stephen.Carson on Tuesday 06 June 2017

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I wasn’t directly involved in the funeral arrangements being just a close friend of the family, but my involvement with the company, especially Tracy was a wonderful experience.  We were treated with the most utmost respect and sympathy and I was absolutely impressed with the way everything was handled. I spoke to Tracy about the procedures they used and was amazed how organic and natural everything was, resulting in no need for intrusive embalming, so preserving the body respectfully and naturally. It was a real eye opener and has changed my opinion on death and how it should be viewed. My impression was that nothing was too much trouble and they would go out of the way to ensure you got what you wanted.  In fact this must have been one of the most challenging arrangements, as my friends are American and wanted an American style funeral with an open casket.  This could have shocked many people but everything was handled sensitively and professionally resulting in the most uplifting positive funeral I have ever attended.  It was about celebrating a life, and being able to see my friend there made it feel like she was being included which of course is how it should be – she was after all the person we loved and cared for. I know the family were happy with everything, so would like to thank Tracy and everyone else involved for ensuring everything was perfect before, and on the day.

Stephen.Carson would recommend Final Journey to friends.

"Great service, lovely lady, very respectful"

Reviewed by alis on Wednesday 26 April 2017

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I cannot rate Final Journey highly enough.  Very natural, organic, positive and peaceful experience.  Tracey was a lovely, caring and respectful lady and I cannot recommend her and her husband enough.  She made every effort to accommodate us and pulled all stops out to not only organise my mums funeral at short notice, but pushed to collect my mums body as quickly as she could so that she was with her at her home rather than in a cold, clinical hospital morge, even calling us to say 'don't worry, your mum is with me now, I will look after her'.  Lovely touch.  I hope not to have to arrange another funeral in the near future but I would have no hesitation in using Tracey and Final Journey.   

alis would recommend Final Journey to friends.

"A Very Caring Service"

Reviewed by Waters on Wednesday 14 December 2016

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Tracey offered a very caring service which could be tailor-made to our needs, as my mother didn't want a very formal religious ceremony.  I was very happy that we found Final Journey as we could give my mother the send off she would have appreciated, and give us some happy memories of the event.  

Waters would recommend Final Journey to friends.

"Excellent service"

Reviewed by helenmadams1@gmail.com on Wednesday 30 November 2016

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I would highly recommend the compassionate service provided by Final Journey. Tracy takes all the worry out of arranging a funeral. She is calm, friendly, professional and kind. My dad sadly died in the early hours of 17th October 2016. Tracy and her team collected dad in a timely manner to suit us, and returned to the house later that day to chat to mum and I about arrangements. She guided us through the many choices of what was available, coffins, flowers, newspaper notifications, celebrants, cars. pall bearers,wake etc, and we felt  no pressure from her, it was always our choice. Tracy can organise as much or as little as you want. We asked her to print our order of   service too. She suggested photographs of dad on the order of service, and I am pleased we did this. Mum and I visited dad in the 'place of rest' to say out final goodbyes. The room was calm and restful. Tracy had applied a tiny bit of makeup to dad's face. It was just as if he was sleeping and we were really pleased that we had gone to see him. On the day of the funeral, Tracy suggested we served sherry at home before we set off to help 'calm the nerves'. Tracy arrived promptly with dad and the cars and off we went..........Dad first, mum, myself and my brother next, followed by the rest of the family and all our friends. Tracy of course, there, discreetly helping to oil the working of the proceedings. Tracy had organised a collection box for hospice at home. She smoothed over a jump in numbers at the wake too! Tracy clearly has an excellent working relationship with the Greysteads Hotel. She returned dads asked to us quickly,but is happy to store them for you if you wish, she really is easy going. Overall Tracy takes the headache out of all the organising for you, nothing is too much trouble, her availability, communication and knowledge of proceedings are first class. She has been an absolute diamond in a very difficult time, thank you.

helenmadams1@gmail.com would recommend Final Journey to friends.

"Kind and honourable"

Reviewed by sarahholton on Thursday 29 September 2016

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This lovely lady made a very sad and horrible task a lot easier.  It is clearly a job she performs as a kindness and she made it very simple to deal with in the way we wanted, without any attempt to make us choose something else.

sarahholton would recommend Final Journey to friends.

"Thank you"

Reviewed by Susan on Friday 02 September 2016

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We couldn't have been more satisfied with the service we received.

I found Tracy to be very caring & helpful while arranging my mum's funeral.

My brothers & l are not very religious, but our Dad is from the old school, & Tracy arranged a funeral that kept us all happy with a mixture of traditional & modern.

Organising everything with a minimul of fuss. Putting us in touch with a Humanist Celebrant who's delivery of the service was wonderful, leaving us with the impression that she had actually met our mum.

We could not have asked for more on what was a very sad day, Tracy was just there in the background making sure everything ran smoothly & taking great care of our Dad, who had just lost his wife of nearly 64 years.

We can not praise her high enough.

Susan would recommend Final Journey to friends.

"A personal and meaningful farewell"

Reviewed by Alison_Haskins on Thursday 02 June 2016

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I am so pleased that we chose Tracy as our funeral director when Mum died unexpectedly 6 weeks ago. From the very first contact, she provided calm, reassuring support and advice, helping us to plan a funeral for Mum that was personal and meaningful. She did not impose any ideas for the service - quite the opposite in fact, suggesting a wide range of options for us to think about, but with no pressure to use any of them. Tracy encouraged us to celebrate Mum's life in whatever way suited us and was clear that a lot of assumptions about the 'correct' way to hold a service are myths. For instance, I would never have thought of our family carrying Mum's coffin into the service, and I'm so pleased that Tracy suggested it, as it was so special to us all. Tracy also put us in touch with Benet Waterman, a funeral celebrant, who was exactly the right person to help us through the service itself. Tracy was there for us from start to finish of the funeral - from the first planning conversation, to bringing mum's ashes to us at home a few days after the funeral. I have no hesitation in recommending Final Journey - it's so hard to organise the funeral of someone when you are in such shock and grief, and I cannot imagine anyone being more supportive than Tracy.

Alison_Haskins would recommend Final Journey to friends.

"Very efficient and caring"

Reviewed by Chris_R on Monday 28 March 2016

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My wife had never liked attending sombre funerals, and therefore on her death I wanted to arrange a direct cremation and a life celebration later. Tracy was lovely to work with, happy to discuss all options and with an easy manner. She was very efficient in making arrangements and kept me informed at all times, her charges were very reasonable and all explained up front. I have no hesitation in recommending Tracy for making a difficult situation a little easier.

Chris_R would recommend Final Journey to friends.

"It was all about me and my mum :)"

Reviewed by Liza_M on Sunday 06 March 2016

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Annie, my mum, died unexpectedly at ITU in Carlisle hospital on 12^th Feb 2016.  Although Annie and I had discussed death in the past I never expected her to die in hospital – she had a particular view of a good death – at home in her own bed.  But it wasn’t to be and I was left in a complete state of shock, 300 miles away from my home (Bristol) with no idea of how I was going to arrange a funeral for her and make it good.  I was determined that she wouldn’t have a standard short crematorium service – but I had no idea how to achieve this in Carlisle.

A sleepless night in a hotel room that night led me to a search for the nearest crematorium to Annies (she lived in the Eden Valley – the nearest is Carlisle -  50 miles away) and via the Eden District Council website I was reminded of the NDC site – and through that I found Final Journey.  I’d known about the alternative funeral movement from friends but in my shock this had all gone out of my mind… 

Early on the Saturday morning I called Tracy and sobbed at her down the phone as I told her my mum had died in the hospital and could she help?  Certainly she said – pop round for a cup of tea when you are ready and let’s have a chat.  My husband and I called round to Final Journey and as I sobbed out the story of Annie dying in ITU Tracy listened with empathy – she was so easy to talk to and as we sat there and talked my trust in her grew- she made it clear that it was our ceremony and she would only do what we asked.  My main wish was for Annie to go home to North Stainmore so that she could be in her house one last time and her friends could come and see her –I explained to Tracy about access down the pot holed track and how access to the house might be a challenge – she assured me it was no problem – and indeed it wasn’t, although getting Annie and her coffin up the outside stairs was a tad difficult!  Tracy and her husband even built a special coffin sled to make taking Annie out of the house and back off to Carlisle much easier.

We discussed costs and Tracy was completely transparent taking me through the costs and assuring me that she could provide everything I wanted – including a double length slot at the crematorium and a beautiful bamboo coffin - for no more than £3000 – in the end the cost was lower than this which was amazing.  Tracy also answered all my questions (of which there were many!) about the mechanics of cremation, what the morgue at the hospital was like etc etc with great care and patience – I really felt I could ask anything and nothing was taboo.

She recommended the perfect celebrant - Benet Waterman -  who travelled out to Annie’s house and listened to me talk about her as she experienced Annie’s house and things around her and got to know her a bit – she held the ceremony together and made it wonderful for us and her words about Annie were spot on J

Tracy, I really can’t thank and praise you enough for what you did – the help and reassurance, the calm and professional manner, the feeling that nothing was too much trouble, the emotional support when I needed it and the way you looked after Annie and brought her home – I felt so lost when I called you and you helped me so much and made it possible to arrange a beautiful and individual funeral that really did Annie justice.

I would unreservedly recommend Final Journey to anyone needing a funeral arranger in Cumbria.

Thanks

Liza McCarron

Liza_M would recommend Final Journey to friends.

"Perfect Goodbye"

Reviewed by mrpeter_coady on Wednesday 24 February 2016

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I would like to thank Tracey Lazonby and Final Journey for the way she looked after my Beautiful Wife when she passed away recently.

From bringing her back home to me, to taking care of all the funeral arrangements, everything was done with the utmost Respect and Dignity.

Thanks again.

mrpeter_coady would recommend Final Journey to friends.

"Final Journey Gave us the saddest,most Perfect day."

Reviewed by Alison_potts on Tuesday 23 February 2016

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Tracey Lazonby from Final Journey, is a very kind compassionate woman, full of empathy. From the moment we contacted Tracey everything was taken out of our hands, with so much compassion and all of our appreciation. She arranged to bring mam home to us, where we had four beautiful days with her before the funeral where we could see, touch, and talk to her before saying our last goodbyes.

Tracey came to mams house every day to make sure mam was still looking beautiful, which she was!! And to make sure we were all bearing up. It was lovely to think of mam being attended to by female, That's the way mam would have wanted it.

The Funeral it's self was beautiful, no black hearse, "Mam hated them", a gold Mercedes instead!!, A beautiful white coffin with lilac and pink roses on the side and natural rope handles, with her own family carrying mam, it was such a lovely personal touch. Tracey even asked us if we wanted to have a toast to mam just before we set off for the Funeral Service, so we all gathered around the open Mercedes and had a last toast to mam, it was a lovely gesture, The sun was shining in on mam and a gentle breeze was blowing through, it was a very poignant moment.

Tracey also arranged for us to bury mams  ashes in with my brother and just to top everything off, she brought us mams handprints to keep, which if we wish can also get engraved into jewellery, at local jeweller nearby.

With such a lovely caring person at the healm, I would recommend Tracey Lazonby and Final Journey to anybody,

Thanks again Tracey.

Alison_potts would recommend Final Journey to friends.

"Our perfect goodbye."

Reviewed by Lesley_weir on Tuesday 23 February 2016

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When mam passed away my sister suggested Final Journey to take care of the arrangements. Reading the web site I was little apprehensive at the thought of mam in a cardboard coffin, arriving in a van. On our first meeting with Tracy I found her genuinely caring and compassionate, she discussed all the alternatives with us.

Mam came home to us in a beautiful white cardboard coffin with pink and lilac roses on the sides. She was beautiful. The four days we had her home the care and respect Tracy showed was amazing, she called in everyday to check on mam and us.

When mams coffin was placed in the (van) a gold Mercedes, the doors open and the breeze blowing through we sat with mam for a final toast and said our last goodbye it was very sad but beautiful. Thank you so much Tracy for your care and compassion at such a sad and trying time.

A very sad but perfect funeral.

Lesley_weir would recommend Final Journey to friends.

"Great Service"

Reviewed by johnmatthews993 on Thursday 14 January 2016

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Tracy Lazonby gave all the support and advice needed, and she also gave good advice, and the quote she  gavbe was the price paid with no hidden costs. We chose the basic service but if we wanted to we could of added on more services,at a very resonable price, I will be recomending Final Jorney to any one I know who needs this service, And again I would like to thank Tracy for the careing service we recieved from her all through our trying time.

John matthews

johnmatthews993 would recommend Final Journey to friends.

"Farewell made easy"

Reviewed by Peter on Monday 04 January 2016

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For those who cannot afford whistles and bells funerals but still want to retain all the dignity and solemnity of saying farewell to a loved one, this is the only funeral director to go to !!!!

If however you can afford something more ostentatious or want something away from the traditional funeral, Tracy will talk you through every option in a professional and warmly efficient manner.

I was recommended this service by a local florist but would like others who have used them to spread the word, too many people have had to go into debt due to the spiraling costs of using the big funeral directors.

Peter would recommend Final Journey to friends.

"Final Journey Funerals provide an excellent, caring, compassionate and professional service"

Reviewed by Isabella on Friday 27 November 2015

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Tracy Lazonby is a quite remarkable woman.  Throughout the whole difficult process she was calm, reassuring, overwhelmingly kind and gracious.  She gave me the confidence to organise my mother's funeral as I felt she would have wanted it to be.  In theory a simple cremation, but in fact apart from choosing not to have a celebrant it was as complete an experience as could have been hoped for.  I contacted Tracy just before Mum died and she was so calm, positive and reassuring.  It was important to me my Mum was looked after by a woman and talking to Tracy I knew she would be treated with respect and care.  She cared for my Mum for two weeks so that we could hold the cremation ceremony at a time when her grand daughters could be there. I loved the fact that there was no black hearse or men in sombre garb - my Mum would have loved a ride in a gold Mercedes.  Her simple coffin was made in Annan which my Scottish Mum would have appreciated.  It was simple but beautiful and Tracy herself made the six rope handles which meant we, her immediate family, could carry her on that final journey and it felt right.  Tracy had lined the coffin with tartan too. We brought our own flowers and placed them on the coffin. The crematorium was light and bright and full of flowers, we played Mum's favourite music - and ate chocolates and drank champagne whilst saying poems and telling stories.  It was perfect and although sad, it was cathartic and uplifting. I cannot stress how much Tracy gave me confidence to do it like this and to feel it was the right thing.  She was a constant helpful but unobtrusive presence on the day and we all felt that not only Mum but all of us were being looked after.  Tracy was available by phone, email, in person from the first phone call to the delivery to my home of Mum's ashes.  At all times she was knowledgeable, calm, caring and efficient. 

Tracy also decanted my Dad's ashes from their original container to one that matches my Mum's.  They are beautiful large scatter tubes with woodland scenes.  They are perfectly designed for scattering ashes which we plan to do next spring and Mum & Dad will finally be reunited in Scotland.

Whilst cost probably isn't the major consideration in arranging a funeral, it is a significant factor for most families and Tracy's charges are very clear and considerably less than alternative companies. 

We had spoken to another local large chain funeral director because it seemed the easy option.  I am so glad I followed my instinct and chose Final Journey Funerals.  Thank you Tracy - you made a difficult experience a very positive and stress free one and I felt enormously supported throughout the whole process.

Isabella would recommend Final Journey to friends.

"Very good service"

Reviewed by ML on Saturday 28 February 2015

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I contacted Tracy when my mother became very ill. From the start, she was very caring and helpful, and told me that when it was time I could just give her a call. A couple of weeks later, my mother passed away and, for an extra charge, Tracy was willing to come to Newcastle to collect my mother. We opted for the simple cremation, as my mother did not want any 'fuss' when she died. It was as peaceful as something like this can be, and Tracy contacted me several times throughout the process, keeping things on track. She drove back to Newcastle to deliver my mother's ashes. The ashes arrived in a lidded cannister, which is not what I imagined by a 'simple urn', but I was not displeased, all the same. Overall, I am very happy with her service and would recommend Final Journey to anyone who wants 'quiet' arrangements.

ML would recommend Final Journey to friends.

"A beautiful funeral"

Reviewed by kjmeltca on Thursday 11 September 2014

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I wanted a different funeral from the normal sombre 'run of the mill'services offered by the majority of funeral directors for my Mum.

I had read about Final Journey in the local newspaper and thought how refreshingly different Tracy's company sounded.

My Mum was terminally ill and I wanted to speak about her wishes prior to her passing.

I phoned Tracy and immediately felt I was connecting with someone on the same wavelength. Tracy invited me to her premises for a cup of tea and I knew that this was the person who would take care of my Mum and give her the funeral I had in mind.

I do not have the words to express how wonderful Tracy is, not only with the deceased but with the family. Nothing was too much trouble, everything promised by Tracy was perfectly and smoothly carried out.

At Tracy's suggestion, I was able to help carry my Mum's beautiful coffin in to the service which made me feel that I was taking part and not just a spectator. The coffin has been described by friends of my Mum as 'the most beautiful they had seen' and now they all want one!

When a loved one dies, it is often the case that we pick a funeral director at random. I am so glad that I had read about Tracy and Final Journey.

I am so comforted by the lovely funeral my Mum had, thanks to Tracy. All present agreed that it was uplifting and that they had 'enjoyed' the service when in fact they had been dreading saying goodbye.

My Mum's Final Journey was special and unique. 

Thank you Tracy for your fantastic service.

kjmeltca would recommend Final Journey to friends.

"Nothing is impossible!"

Reviewed by RDawson on Wednesday 02 July 2014

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Our much loved mum died quite suddenly and we found ourselves having to arrange a funeral. We wanted something quite different from dad's funeral 4 years ago. I had seen an article about Final Journey in the local paper some weeks previously and the company's philosophy chimed exactly with the the type of funeral we wanted for mum, so we met Tracy Lazonby and decided there and then she was perfect for the job. She was kind and empathetic while also conveying an impression of calm and confidence that all would be well.

We wanted a woodland burial for mum and we wanted a particular type of horse and cart to convey the body to the burial site. We wanted someone appropriate (but not religious) to conduct the commital for us

Tracy organised all of this for us in less than a week. She kept us informed and checked back with us as necessary but she just got on with the job without any fuss.

We felt supported and encouraged all through the process but then on the day itself Tracy and her team excelled themselves. It was absolutely beautiful, I've got to say it was the best funeral I've ever been to, I actually enjoyed it, I know it's just what mum would have loved, and I want something as good as that for my husband and I when it's our turn to go.

There were some photos taken, very discreetly, at the funeral and Tracy was kind enough to present them to us a few days later on a special compact disc - a copy not just for me but also one for my brother.

Altogether this was a wonderful and moving experience, and I really can't praise Ms Lazonby and Final Journey highly enough for their expertise and for their personal kindness and sensitivity around potentially a highly distressing occasion.

Nothing was impossible - it was a very special day for mum and for us and for all the family. Even more unlikely, my brother and I now have a positive view of the undertaking profession....

RDawson would recommend Final Journey to friends.