After a rapid decline following a terminal cancer diagnosis in 2021, Mum took charge of planning her final months. She organised a living wake she called a Soirée. It was a relaxed afternoon with food, drinks, her extended family, and an old-fashioned slide show. It gave her the chance to share her life and say goodbye on her own terms.

When it came to her funeral, Mum didn’t want the bells and definitely none of the whistles. She often said funerals were too over the top, and she wanted something simple. Her wish was for us to draw on a plain box and cover it in lavender. Like many people, I didn’t think that kind of funeral was possible. But when the time came, despite a few obstacles, we made it happen.

Those challenges led me to start MyRest. I believe an affordable funeral doesn’t have to feel “cheap.” While we saved money on Mum’s funeral, we poured time, love, and effort into making it exactly what she wanted. Mum - like everyone - was unique, and she deserved a farewell that reflected that.

At MyRest, we focus on what can be done, not what can’t. Our mission is to give people in regional areas access to the kind of funeral they truly want. Whether that’s a family-led vigil at home or a simple cremation, we’re here to support meaningful, personal memorials, just like we did for our mum.