Fawcett and Hetherington Funeral Service

Fawcett and Hetherington Funeral Service Fawcett and Hetherington Funeral Service is a family owned & run company offering the highest Service and Compassion

In October 2010, we combined both offices and opened a purposely designed Funeral Home out of a former Public House on Eston High Street called King George House, we did this so that we could concentrate our efforts on providing a personal and comforting service in times of need. All our permanent staff are made up of family Members, because of this we can offer a complete, personal and professional service. We have 7 Chapels of Rest, 2 of which were specifically designed for disabled access. We have a Service Chapel in which we can hold small Funeral Services and other activities, if you would like to use this facility then please contact us. We have a fleet of Jaguar funeral vehicles and can also supply a Horse Drawn Hearse if required. We are the only Funeral Service in the Tees Valley area to offer The Coffin Cover which is a low cost, sustainable and dignified alternative to a traditional coffin. We are a member of the National Association of Funeral Directors and abide by its Code of Practice. Our staff are also members of the British Institute of Funeral Directors and The British Institute of Embalmers and we also abide by their codes of practice.

HALEYPatricia (Pat)Pat passed away at Eston Lodge Care Home, on 25th January, aged 79 years. Much loved Wife of Ian, Lov...
04/02/2026

HALEY
Patricia (Pat)

Pat passed away at Eston Lodge Care Home, on 25th January, aged 79 years. Much loved Wife of Ian, Loving Mam of Tony and Marie and a devoted Grandma of Oliver, Benjamin, Fynnian and Emily.

Service to be held at Kirkleatham Memorial Park and Crematorium on Wednesday 11th February, at 1.00pm, Friends please meet at the Crematorium.

Enquiries to Fawcett and Hetherington, 01642 459555

BAIRDMartinIt is with great sadness that the family of Martin Baird, announce his passing on Monday, 26th January, at th...
04/02/2026

BAIRD
Martin

It is with great sadness that the family of Martin Baird, announce his passing on Monday, 26th January, at the age of 80.

Martin, A Much Loved Husband of the late Brenda, will be Lovingly remembered by his Son Martin, Daughter-in-Law Annabel, Grandchildren Tom and Jess, and many other family members and friends.

Service to take place at Kirkleatham Memorial Park and Crematorium on Friday 20th February at 12.00 Noon. Friends please meet at the Crematorium, Family flowers only please, all donations to Maxi’s Mates.

Funeral notice for the late Stephen David CooperPassed away peacefully on 13th January, at James Cook Hospital, aged 73 ...
04/02/2026

Funeral notice for the late Stephen David Cooper

Passed away peacefully on 13th January, at James Cook Hospital, aged 73 years.

A loving dad, grandad and friend to many.

Service to take place at Kirkleatham Crematorium, 3pm, on Thursday 12th February.

Friends, please meet at the Chapel.

All enquiries to Fawcett & Hetherington, Eston. 01642 459555.

Funeral notice for the late Margaret Parsons, née Shutt.Passed away peacefully on 6th January 2026, at Astune Rise Nursi...
04/02/2026

Funeral notice for the late Margaret Parsons, née Shutt.

Passed away peacefully on 6th January 2026, at Astune Rise Nursing home, aged 84 years.

A much loved wife of the late Bob, beloved mother to David, Stephen, Tony and Ian and Mother In Law.
A proud grandma and great grandma, cherished sister, auntie and friend to many.

Service to take place at Kirkleatham Crematorium at 2pm on 9th February 2026 and onwards to Eston Institute to celebrate her life.
Friends, please meet at the Chapel.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Progressive Supranuclear Palsy (PSP) there will be a collection box at the service.

All enquiries to Fawcett & Hetherington, Eston. 01642 459555.

30/01/2026

🌿 When the Coroner Becomes Involved: A Gentle, Heart‑Led Guide from Fawcett & Hetherington

When someone you love dies, the world can feel unsteady. And if the Coroner becomes involved, it can sound alarming — but in reality, it’s simply a legal process designed to make sure everything is understood properly. We wanted to share a calm, comforting explanation, so families know they’re not facing this alone.

❓Why the Coroner might be contacted❓
Sometimes a doctor can’t immediately confirm the cause of death, or the circumstances need a little more clarity.
This might be because:
- The death was sudden or unexpected
- There was no recent medical history
- The person died after an accident or fall
- A GP feels unable to issue a certificate
- A medical procedure took place shortly beforehand

It’s important to remember: this doesn’t mean anyone suspects wrongdoing. It’s simply the Coroner making sure everything is understood fully and respectfully.

❓What happens once the Coroner is involved❓
A Coroner’s Officer will usually reach out to the family, gently explaining what will happen next.
They may:
- Speak with the GP or hospital
- Look at medical records
- Request a post‑mortem to understand the cause of death
- Decide whether an inquest is needed
Every step is taken with dignity, care, and transparency.

❓Will this delay the funeral❓
There can sometimes be a short pause while the Coroner completes their enquiries.
But you won’t be left wondering — we stay in close contact with the Coroner’s Office and keep you updated, so you always know where things stand.
How we support you through it

At Fawcett & Hetherington, we walk beside you from the very first moment.
We speak with the Coroner’s Office on your behalf, explain each stage in plain, gentle language, and make sure you feel held and supported throughout.
You don’t need to chase paperwork, understand legal terms, or navigate anything alone. That’s what we’re here for.

💛 You’re not expected to know what to do — that’s why we’re here
A Coroner’s involvement can feel daunting, but it’s simply part of ensuring everything is handled properly and respectfully. And while they take care of the legal side, we take care of you.
Any time you feel unsure, overwhelmed, or just need a steady voice — we’re only ever a phone call away.

29/01/2026

🌿 Understanding the Medical Examiner System: What Families Need to Know 🌿

There are important changes that have happened across England around how deaths are reviewed, and many families are hearing the term “Medical Examiner” for the first time. We wanted to explain what this means in simple, reassuring terms.

❓What is a Medical Examiner❓
A Medical Examiner is an independent senior doctor who reviews deaths that are not being investigated by the Coroner.

Their role is to make sure:
- The cause of death is accurate
- Any concerns from families are listened to
- The process is transparent and consistent
They are not part of the hospital or GP practice providing care — they work separately to ensure fairness and clarity.

❓What’s changed❓
Until now, Medical Examiners mainly reviewed hospital deaths.

Under the new system, they will also review deaths in the community, including:
- Deaths at home
- Deaths in care homes
- Deaths in hospices
This means that almost all deaths in England will now be reviewed by a Medical Examiner unless the Coroner is already involved.

What this means for families
For most people, the process will feel very similar — but with an extra layer of reassurance.
- A Medical Examiner will contact the family to talk through the proposed cause of death.
- You’ll have the chance to ask questions or raise any concerns about the care your loved one received.
- Once the Medical Examiner is satisfied, they will confirm the cause of death so the GP can issue the Medical Certificate.

This conversation is meant to support families, not add pressure. You don’t need to prepare anything.

❓Does this delay the funeral❓
In most cases, no.
The Medical Examiner review usually happens quickly, and funeral arrangements can continue as normal. If there is any delay, it is usually very short and we will keep you informed every step of the way.

❓Why the change❓
The new system aims to:
- Improve accuracy in death certification
- Give families a stronger voice
- Ensure concerns are picked up early
- Provide a consistent national standard
It’s about making the process safer, clearer, and more supportive.

💛 We’re here to guide you through every step
These changes can sound complicated, but you won’t be left to figure them out alone.
At Fawcett & Hetherington, we work closely with local Medical Examiners and GPs, and we’ll explain each stage in plain language as it happens.
If you ever feel unsure or overwhelmed, just reach out — we’re always here to help.

📣Ceremonial Driver – Casual Contractor📣Location: Eston, MiddlesbroughPay: £39.00 per job, plus on‑call retainer and call...
29/01/2026

📣Ceremonial Driver – Casual Contractor📣

Location: Eston, Middlesbrough
Pay: £39.00 per job, plus on‑call retainer and call‑out payments

Fawcett & Hetherington is a small, independent family funeral directors dedicated to providing a sensitive, dignified and professional service to every family in our care. We take great pride in the high standards we uphold within our profession.

We are looking for a casual Ceremonial Driver to join our team. This is a meaningful role supporting local families at some of the most important moments in their lives.

✨About the Role✨
This is a casual position, with the number of jobs varying each week. Jobs are allocated at least a week in advance, so if you have prior commitments, let us know and we’ll always try to work around them.
Ideally, you will be available Monday to Friday between 9am and 5pm, with a 1 in 4 on‑call rota covering evenings (4.30pm–8.30am) and weekends to support the Funeral Directors. For more information regarding the on-call rota please contact us before applying.

No previous experience is required, as full training will be provided.

🚗 Key Responsibilities🚗
- Driving ceremonial vehicles on the day of the funeral, following planned routes and timings
- Providing a professional, calm and empathetic chauffeur service to families travelling with you
- Acting as a coffin bearer during funeral ceremonies
- Handling floral tributes and other items with care and respect
- Ensuring vehicles and ceremonial items are prepared to the highest standard before each service

🌟About You🌟
This role would suit someone who:
- Holds a full, clean UK driving licence (for at least 2 years)
- Is over 21 years old
- Has a professional, caring and respectful approach
- Can follow instructions and work well within a small team
- Remains calm and composed in changing situations
- Takes pride in their appearance
- Is physically fit and able to lift

How to Apply
If you are interested in joining our team, please send your CV to:
HR Department
Fawcett & Hetherington
92 High Street
Eston
Middlesbrough
TS6 9EG
Or email: Danielle@fawcettandhetherington.co.uk

29/01/2026

🌿 When Someone Dies at Home: A Gentle Guide from Fawcett & Hetherington

When a loved one dies at home, it can feel like the world suddenly goes quiet. Many people aren’t sure what to do next, and that’s completely understandable. We wanted to share a simple guide to help, so no one feels alone in those first moments.

🍂If the death was expected🍂

If your loved one had a known illness and was being cared for at home:
- Contact their GP or the out‑of‑hours doctor.
A doctor or nurse will come to verify the death.
- Once this has been done, the GP will prepare the Medical Certificate of Cause of Death, which you’ll need to register the death.
There is no rush. Take the time you need.

❓What happens after the death is verified❓
When you feel ready, you can contact us at Fawcett & Hetherington.
We will bring your loved one into our care and talk you through each step gently and clearly.
Some families choose to spend a little time at home with their loved one before we attend. That is absolutely okay — we will work around your wishes.

Registering the death
You’ll usually need to register the death within five days, using the certificate provided by the GP. If you’re unsure about anything, we can guide you through the process.

🍂If the death was unexpected🍂

- Call 999.
Paramedics and police will attend, confirm the death, and guide you through what happens next.
This is routine for any unexpected death, and you will be treated with care and respect.

❓What happens after the death is verified❓
When the paramedics have verified and police have attended and completed their routine enquiries they should ask you if you have a funeral director that you would wish to use, at this point you can tell them that you would like to use Fawcett and Hetherington and they will inform the control room who will contact us, if you are not sure who you would like to use then the police will ask for the next funeral director on the "list" to come and take your loved on to the nearest hospital on behalf of the coroner.

In times of loss, it’s the closeness of our community that truly carries us.Here in Redcar, Eston, and Middlesbrough, we...
28/01/2026

In times of loss, it’s the closeness of our community that truly carries us.

Here in Redcar, Eston, and Middlesbrough, we’ve always looked out for one another — and at Fawcett & Hetherington, we feel deeply honoured to be part of that circle of care. When a family places their loved one in our hands, we don’t see it as a service… we see it as a privilege.

We know the faces, the stories, the families who’ve grown up side by side. We understand the quiet moments of grief, the shared memories, and the strength that comes from neighbours who step in without being asked. That’s what makes our area special.

Our team is here to offer gentle guidance, a steady hand, and a listening ear — whether you need help planning a farewell, want to talk through options, or simply need someone who understands.

From our family to yours, thank you for trusting us.
You’re never on your own. We’re right here with you, every step of the way.

FAWCETTDavid (Jim)05/03/1945 - 16/1/2026It is with great sadness that we have to announce the passing of David Fawcett (...
28/01/2026

FAWCETT
David (Jim)
05/03/1945 - 16/1/2026

It is with great sadness that we have to announce the passing of David Fawcett (Jim).

David passed away at the Friarage hospital on 16th January, aged 80 years.
David was a much loved husband to Betty and father to Ian.

Service to be held at Maple Park crematorium Thirsk on Friday 13th February at 11.30 am and all family and friends are welcome.

All enquires to Fawcett & Hetherington 01642 459555

McHUGHCarmelPeacefully passed away on 20th January 2026, aged 87 years.Cherished wife to Michael, beloved mam to Paul an...
27/01/2026

McHUGH
Carmel

Peacefully passed away on 20th January 2026, aged 87 years.

Cherished wife to Michael, beloved mam to Paul and Darren, sister to Cynthia and Maureen, mother-in-law to Nicola, treasured nana to Lili, Neve, Luca and also Aunty to many.

Service to be held at Teesside Crematorium, St Bede's Chapel at 2:00pm on Wednesday 4th February. Friends please meet at the crematorium.

After the service all are welcome back to the Bluebell to celebrate the life of Carmel.

Enquiries to Fawcett and Hetherington on 01642 459555.

Family Notice for the late Michael Smith
26/01/2026

Family Notice for the late Michael Smith

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King George House, 92 High Street, Eston
Middlesbrough
TS69EG

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Our Story

Established in 1993 by Alistair Fawcett and David “Pip” Hetherington when they opened our first office in South Bank. In 1995 another branch was opened in Normanby High Street.

In October 2010, we combined both offices and opened a purposely designed Funeral Home out of a former Public House on Eston High Street and named it King George House, this allowed us to concentrate our efforts on providing a personal and comforting service in times of need in one central building.

We have 7 chapels of rest, 2 which are specifically designed for disabled access