Next weekend, Co-op Funeralcare’s rainbow Hearse will be seen driving the streets of Manchester as part of the city’s pride parade.
Originally a more sombre black Ford Cardinal, the hearse has been transformed with the full colours of the rainbow to celebrate the Pride community.
Since unveiling the rainbow hearse in 2017, Co-op Funeralcare has seen the vehicle being requested, on average, twice a month by families across the UK to personalise the funeral of their loved ones.
Iain Woodhead, Co-op Funeralcare’s Regional Manager for Manchester funeral homes, comments: “We’ve seen a huge rise in personalised funerals over the past few years. Families often want to reflect the varied personalities and interests of their loved ones and hold a celebration of the vibrancy of their life. If a family’s request is possible, such as this one, our funeral directors and arrangers will do whatever they can to make it happen.”
The rainbow Hearse forms part of a broader commitment to equality and diversity at Co-op, not only within local communities but also via Respect; Co-op’s award winning, inclusive lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT+) network.
The Hearse is available for funerals organised by Co-op Funeralcare and can be transported to any location within the UK where requested by a loved one.
Representatives from Co-op Funeralcare homes in Moss Side, Sale, Heaton Chapel, Eccles, Levenshulme, Pendlebury and Bolton will be in attendance at the annual Pride parade.
