Legacy inquiry: Second funerals for identified bodies

Tristan Essex is planning a second funeral for his grandmother Jessie Stockdale

Second funerals are now taking place for some of the 35 people whose bodies were recovered from a Hull funeral home at the centre of a police investigation.

A number of families have told the BBC that DNA tests on their loved ones have confirmed their identities.

Tristan Essex said he was “hugely relieved” to be finally planning a second funeral for his grandmother Jessie Stockdale.

Humberside Police said “once formal identification has taken place, each family is being immediately informed by their dedicated family liaison officer and being provided with significant investigative updates".

'Heart warming'

Mr Essex said his grandmother would be “crying her eyes out to know that the people of Hull are trying to help us”.

“We’ve waited six weeks and three days. It’s so heartwarming to know people are making an effort to help us."

Jessie died suddenly last year.

Her family held a funeral and received ashes.

However, in March, they were told she was one of 35 bodies recovered from Legacy Independent Funeral Homes Ltd.

Her second funeral will be held at Hull Minster.

'Unthinkable'

The Bishop of Hull, the Right Reverend Doctor Eleanor Sanderson, said it was “unthinkable” what affected families are going through.

She said staff at Hull Minister were “throwing their doors open” and waiving all fees for services.

Hull City Council is also writing to all families affected after DNA tests are complete, offering a free cremation, service, flowers and a private ambulance to transport the deceased.

The BBC understands this will be funded through £2m of money provided by the government to help councils with costs arising from investigations into Legacy Independent Funeral Directors.

A number of private businesses in Hull are also pulling together to support families.

Matthew Harrison is a florist on Hessle Road, a short distance from where the 35 bodies were discovered.

He said he would be helping families out with any additional flowers because “this isn’t just about money”.

Right Reverend Doctor Eleanor Sanderson says families can approach any of Hull's churches for support

'Comfort and support'

A vigil will be held on Thursday evening at Pickering Park for the families affected.

Organiser Karen Dry said the vigil offers families “comfort and support at these most shocking of times”.

Mrs Dry said the vigils would take place on the first Thursday of every month “until such time as we have got charges".

Legacy Independent Funeral Directors Ltd conducted the funerals of Mrs Dry’s parents. She now doubts the identity of the ashes she received.

She is one of several relatives calling for a group memorial plot for unidentified ashes.

Hull City Council told the BBC it would begin consulting with families about this in the next few weeks.

The 35 bodies and a quantity of ashes were recovered by Humberside Police from the firm’s premises after a call reporting "concern for care of the deceased".

Two people have been arrested and released on bail while investigations continue.

The BBC has approached Legacy Independent Funerals Ltd for comment.

File On 4: Lasting Legacy - What went wrong at a Hull Funeral Home

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Anyone affected by the Legacy funeral inquiry can call a dedicated Victim Support Line on 0808 281 1136.

If you have been affected by any of the issues in this story, information and support is available via the BBC Action Line.

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