Distinct Cremations’ Paddy Clarke says he finds a sense of purpose and satisfaction from providing compassionate care and honouring the deceased

To many, a mortuary might seem an unlikely place to find peace yet amid the silence and the stillness, Paddy Clarke finds a deep sense of purpose and tranquillity. 

Taking care of the deceased with respect and care demands a level of calm that Paddy has mastered over the years ensuring every task is performed with painstaking attention. 

For Paddy, his work is more than just a job—it is a vocation that he loves, and that underscores his dedication to preserving the dignity of the deceased. 

“The feeling of accomplishment and satisfaction that comes from providing compassionate care and honouring the deceased is deeply fulfilling. 

“The opportunity to serve others with dignity, respect, and empathy is a job like no other. To be trusted with the care of a somebody’s loved one is a privilege and an honour.” 

Paddy’s route into the profession came through a temporary job at a local funeral provider when he left school where two months later, he was offered a full apprenticeship. 

“They liked me and my work ethic and over time introduced me to the various facets of the business which gave me a taste of the responsibilities involved. 

“I enjoyed the practical aspects of the profession and developed a deep respect for the meticulous attention to detail and the dignity with which the deceased were treated. 

“It allowed me to see the dedication and professionalism the job demanded.” 

Paddy says the training enabled him to develop his skills and equip him with the expertise and knowledge required to care for the deceased and support grieving families. 

“I am delighted to have found a vocation that provides me with the opportunity to make such a unique contribution to the humankind.” 

After gaining experience with a major funeral provider and a spell in retail management, Paddy joined Cannock-based Distinct Cremations in 2021 at the start of covid where each day brought new challenges.  

With a soaring demand for services and an increase in the number of people turning to simpler alternatives, Paddy says the experience provided him with a source of strength and purpose. 

“The sheer number of deceased we had to deal with was overwhelming at first," recalls Paddy. "But each call represented a life, a family in pain. I knew I had to be strong for them. 

“The whole experience could have been paralysing and I just tried to focus on what I could control, meticulously ensuring that every person received the respect and care they deserved.” 

As care centre supervisor at Distinct, Paddy oversees the whole funeral process, which includes the management of all necessary paperwork, with every detail of the process controlled digitally, ensuring a reliable audit trail.  

Once in his care, Paddy and his assistant wash and prepare the deceased simply and respectfully for cremation, any medical devices such as cannulas or tracheostomy tubes removed. 

There is no requirement for embalming in a direct cremation. 

Families may send in clothing for their loved ones, or ask for fingerprints, or a lock of hair, or request whether any jewellery is added or removed. 

The deceased are inspected once every day from the moment they come into the care of Distinct Cremations until the day of their cremation, to ensure the deceased’s body continues to be maintained in the best possible condition. 

Following the cremation, if the family have requested the ashes, the cremated remains are returned into Paddy’s safekeeping before being personally delivered to them. 

Paddy, the son of a retired minister, believes his job is not just a profession but a calling that brings a profound sense of duty and reverence.  

“My father conducted many, many funeral services as a minister, and I grew up surrounded by examples of good service and compassion. 

“I saw first- hand the impact that support and comfort give people in what may be the most challenging time of their lives, which instilled in me a strong desire to be of service to others.” 

Paddy says he treats the deceased the same way he would for a member of his own family. 

“I always treat the deceased as if they were alive in terms of how I interact with them. I might talk with them while I am changing their clothes and let them know what is going on and as though they can hear me. 

“I might say “I’m going to lift your head now so I can place your shirt under you so I can dress you.

“Showing respect for the deceased is a fundamental aspect of honouring their life and memory.  

“It reflects the value placed on their existence and contributions, acknowledging their humanity even after death. 

When he is not at work Paddy finds tranquillity in caring for his tropical fish, a hobby that allows him to decompress once the day is over.  

“It may seem worlds apart from my job, yet maintaining a healthy aquatic environment for my fish requires the same meticulous attention I bring to my role at Distinct. 

“I also love the water sounds, colours, and serenity of keeping tropical fish. They have a positive impact on my mood and enable me to wind down and relax.”