'An oak tree will be my living memorial’

17 October 2023 , 13:59

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Rick wants an oak tree to be planted in his memory (Image: James Warwick Getty Images)

Solid, British and beautiful, oak trees stand tall and proud. That’s why dad-of-two Rick Smales wants one planted in his name when he dies to represent the man he was.

“I want a special and beautiful place for my boys to visit where they are surrounded by nature. An oak tree is a wonderful lasting legacy,’’ explained the 64-year-old.

The retired musician has arranged his funeral in advance to help ease future worries for his sons, Natty, 20 and Alfie, 16.

Rick, from Blackpool, said: “I want a humanist service and a cremation. And in terms of a lasting memorial, I would like a beautiful oak tree planted in my memory and my ashes to be scattered on the oak tree.

“I like the idea that my boys can visit such a natural setting and watch my oak tree develop and grow, as well as the rest of the forest.”

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To plan his funeral service and cremation in advance, Rick contacted Co-op Funeralcare who helped him arrange it.

Rick Smales

However, unlike Rick, around 18 million people in the UK don’t want to think about death or funeral wishes.

So, we’ve teamed up with Co-op Funeralcare and Global Radio to launch a new ‘Let’s Start Talking’ campaign and encourage people to start speaking openly about death and their own funeral wishes.

Rick added: “I‘m planning to record music for my funeral. I’ve played the keyboard all over the world so I’d like there to be some of my own music at the service.

“Co-op Funeralcare was fantastic to deal with. My sons know all about my plans and understand my wishes.

“Death is inevitable but if you talk about your wishes early and carry on with life - which, hopefully, is a very long life - you’ll be at ease knowing everything is in place for the end.’’

It's time to talk - and to listen

Don’t miss our new Let’s Start Talking podcast, hosted by Coleen Nolan.

It’s all part of our campaign to get people feeling more comfortable talking about death and funeral wishes.

Celebrities including TV presenter Eamonn Holmes, UK mental health ambassador Dr Alex George, and Dr Amir Khan will be starting the conversation by revealing what they’d like for their own funeral when the day comes.

Download it now from Apple, Spotify or Google Podcasts.

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Talking now helps your loved ones later. For help starting your conversation, visit coop.co.uk/conversation

Co-op funerals are provided and sold by Funeral Services Limited and Co-op funeral plans are provided and sold by Co-op Funeral Plans Limited (CFPL). CFPL is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. Firm Reference Number 962119.

Rachel Rutherford