A funeral director’s business which goes the extra mile to give families the chance to say goodbye in their own, unique way is opening in Leiston.

Nikki Markham and her husband, Andrew, have been running Markham Funeral Service from Woodbridge since 2019.

With more than three decades of experience working in the funeral service world, the couple wanted the freedom to be able to help families give their loved ones a fitting send-off, in just the way they would have wanted.

The team at the Leiston branch of Markham Funeral Service, L-R: David Stanway, Olly Hind, owners Nikki Markham and Andrew Markham and Debbie Williams, funeral arranger. Image: Charlotte BondThe team at the Leiston branch of Markham Funeral Service, L-R: David Stanway, Olly Hind, owners Nikki Markham and Andrew Markham and Debbie Williams, funeral arranger. (Image: Charlotte Bond) Owners of Markham Funeral Service, Nikki and and Andrew Markham. Image: Charlotte BondOwners of Markham Funeral Service, Nikki and and Andrew Markham. Image: Charlotte Bond (Image: Charlotte Bond) Nikki and Andrew Markham, pictured either side of Debbie Williams, funeral arranger for Leiston. Image: Charlotte BondNikki and Andrew Markham, pictured either side of Debbie Williams, funeral arranger for Leiston. Image: Charlotte Bond (Image: Charlotte Bond)

“We try out best every single day to make every funeral unique to the person we are looking after,” explained Mrs Markham.

While they can arrange traditional funerals, some families appreciate the chance to do things a little differently.

“It wasn’t so long back that we had an Only Fools and Horses hearse,” remembered Mrs Markham.

Their hearse drivers dressed as Batman and Robin and raced up the drive at Seven Hills Crematorium as the iconic theme tune played.

Another funeral was arranged for a lady who was a devoted Ipswich Town fan. Each of the team wore personalised Ipswich Town shirts, and the hearse, too, was dressed in blue and white with flags, balloons and lights.

Another lady had trained sheepdogs during her life. For her funeral procession, she was given a Guard of Honour from sheepdogs from the local society. They were duly invited to join the ceremony, with around 20 sheepdogs welcomed into the chapel.

Markham Funeral Service's Leiston branch can be found in the town's high street. Image: Charlotte BondMarkham Funeral Service's Leiston branch can be found in the town's high street. Image: Charlotte Bond (Image: Charlotte Bond)

The team at the Leiston branch of Markham Funeral Service, L-R: David Stanway, Olly Hind, owners Nikki Markham and Andrew Markham and Debbie Williams, funeral arranger.The team at the Leiston branch of Markham Funeral Service, L-R: David Stanway, Olly Hind, owners Nikki Markham and Andrew Markham and Debbie Williams, funeral arranger. (Image: Charlotte Bond)

“We try not to restrict people,” explained Mrs Markham. “We ask what people would like, and then we try to do it.

“Yes, it’s a sad occasion, but if we can really celebrate that person’s life, that’s what we will do. We will go above and beyond in any way, shape or form we can to make it happen.”

After serving the community in Woodbridge for several years, the business is now opening a Leiston branch. This will be a dedicated office space where people can pop in and meet the team.

They will also be running a free taxi service from Leiston to the Woodbridge branch, so that people can visit their loved ones in the chapel of rest.

Markham's Leiston branch can be found at 71 High Street.