Local Funeral Director honoured as Co-op Hero for compassionate, community-centred care
Posted by lauryn mellor | Published: 03/07/2025
As part of this year’s Co-op Fortnight celebrations, Central Co-op is shining a spotlight on the people making a real difference to Members and communities every day - including Ashley Wright, Funeral Director at Wednesfield and Rushall funeral homes, who has been named one of the Society’s #CoopHeroes for 2025.
With more than two decades of experience, Ashley’s journey into funeral care began at just 16, driven by a powerful personal experience. After attending a family funeral that left him unsettled, he felt compelled to make a difference in how families experience loss.
“I told my mum there and then – I want to be an undertaker, and I want to make sure no one feels the way we did that day,” said Ashley. “I called up a local funeral director, explained my passion, and they measured me up for a suit that same day. I started the following Monday.”
Ashley’s approach to funeral care is deeply rooted in empathy and creativity. Whether it’s arranging a motorcycle procession for a grieving widow to take one last ride with her husband, or giving a grieving child a ‘magic’ cane to help her find courage during her father’s service, Ashley puts families first in every detail.
“It’s not all doom and gloom. There’s space for celebration, for smiles, for meaningful memories,” he said. “I try to go the extra mile, like placing a flower from the coffin on a doorstep that meant something to the person who’s died. These small touches last a lifetime for the family.”
Ashley also takes pride in helping children understand and feel included in funerals, creating more positive, lasting impressions around death and remembrance. His commitment to involving families in a compassionate and respectful way has led to many families requesting him again for future services - a real testament to the impact he’s had.
As a proud co-operator, Ashley is a champion for Central Co-op’s values and community connections. He regularly visits local care homes with colleague Jamie Colbourne to entertain and lift the spirits of residents, while also supporting wider community engagement events. He’s quick to credit the wider funeral team too, including Funeral Arrangers who have taken the lead on setting up Knit and Natter sessions and coffee mornings to help build relationships with Members and communities.
“Doing a great job matters to me because one day, this will happen to me. I want my family to be looked after with the same care and respect I give to others. It’s about giving back to our community, especially after the challenges we’ve all faced in recent years.”
Ashley’s story is being shared as part of Co-op Fortnight 2025, a UK-wide celebration of how co-operatives make a difference. This year’s theme, #CoopHeroes, focuses on people whose lives have been made better by co-ops - and those in co-ops making life better for others.
For more information on Central Co-op and the part it plays within communities, head to the centralcoop.co.uk/. Details on becoming a Member can be found at Members.coop.
ENDS
For press information
Press Office
pressoffice@centralcoop.co.uk
Lauryn Mellor, PR and Media Specialist at Central Co-op
lauryn.mellor@centralcoop.co.uk
07385 048004