The humility of such an iconic personality was incredible. Whilst I have the utmost respect for the skill of the delicate and intricate hands of surgeons, the amazing legal brains of lawyers and the unbelievable brilliance of scientists and researchers, I also value the sometimes unskilled healthcare assistant who sits patiently at someone’s bedside, holding their hand, gently talking or reading to them as they near the end of their earthly lives. How reassuring that must be, to know that you are not alone on your final journey.

We all have God-given gifts and talents which we should be using in accordance with His wishes to help others, both in the dark times and the good. In His eyes we are all equal.

In my previous time as a Funeral Director, I recall two instances when I voiced this opinion, firstly to one of my dear elderly bearers who said he was not as important as me, to which I replied we are part of a team and we are all needed and support one another to achieve the end outcome. The second was also during that period when an Area Manager came to our office in what can only be described as “a bit of a stew” as a close friend of the Operations Manager had sadly passed away and he was asking if we could take special care with the arrangements as he was “important”. After a little consideration I replied that the same care, consideration and professionalism would be afforded to this family as would be given to any other.

Grief does not transcend class, wealth and standing in the Community. This was not the answer he was expecting, I suspect, but the point I was trying to make was that everyone is entitled to respect, empathy and support at this vulnerable time in their lives and I am happy to say that I provided it. The body is a miraculous, incredible God-made creation and our feet could not journey without our legs, our hands could do no good without our arms and our tongues without our brain, all parts work together for the common good and I believe that we, as humanitarian beings, should do the same. Carol May, St Nicholas Church, Radstock