Funeral home job is so fulfilling, says Alfie, 19

A teenage mortuary technician says he finds the job "incredibly interesting and fulfilling", even though people are surprised by his choice of workplace.

Alfie Wilkinson, aged 19 from Lichfield, became the youngest member of the team at Jennifer Ashe & Son funeral directors in 2022, when he was 17.

The company was founded by Alfie's grandmother, Jennifer, and uncle, John, after the death of his great-grandmother.

While it’s not the obvious choice of career for everyone his age, Alfie says he finds his work rewarding.

Alfie plays a key part in caring for and preparing the deceased for their funeral, working for the family company which has branches in Willenhall, Brownhills, Hednesford, Lichfield, Walsall, and Wolverhampton.

He said: "Some people might think it’s a strange career choice especially for someone my age, and it does surprise people when I tell them where I work, but I’ve found it incredibly interesting and fulfilling.

"There is a lot more to my role than simply working with the deceased, it’s all about helping families at a difficult time and ensuring that their loved ones are well looked after and treated with respect."

Alfie works at the chapel of rest, which he calls a significant part of the funeral home.

"It’s where families come to see their loved one for the last time before the ceremony," he said.

"So I take special care to carry out the final wishes of the family flawlessly, such as taking fingerprints, painting their nails and styling their hair.”

The business is run by Alfie's uncle, John Ashe, who said: "It has made me proud to see Alfie excel, especially in the same field as me.

"Funeral care continues to be a taboo topic for many but it’s encouraging to see a steadily increasing number of younger people, like Alfie, entering the profession."

Alfie is enthusiastic about furthering his career and plans to become an embalmer.

"This for me is the next step in providing all levels of help for loved ones in their time of need and working at our family-run business provides me with the perfect opportunity to do this," he said.

Follow BBC Birmingham on BBC Sounds, Facebook, X and Instagram.