Jill Glencross

Funeral Director & Owner

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Born in Carlisle, I have lived in the village of Dalston with my family for several years. My husband Russell Hind, children Abbie and Matthew, our black cat Lenny and the latest addition our jackawawa Roxy!  From a very young age my ambition has always been to become a Funeral Director and after almost 24 years in Pathology, I decided it was time to fulfil my dream. I have previously worked for Walker's, Michael Walsh and John Tremble Funeral Directors (who are no longer independently owned but owned by the chain DIGNITY).  When the opportunity came up for me to become an Independent Funeral Director I felt the time was right.  

During my time at the Cumberland Infirmary after having my children and working only part-time I also volunteered at Eden Valley Hospice helping provide respite care, love and attention to patients and their families.  I have previously worked as a Health Care Assistant on the wards at the Cumberland Infirmary alongside my post in Pathology.

The knowledge I gained during my time in Pathology liaising very closely with Her Majesty's Coroner, GP's, families, Bereavement Services and Funeral Directors has proved invaluable.

Since 8th October 2018 we have cared for over 800 loved ones and their families (updated 14/02/22).  I am so proud of what I have achieved and the business is going from strength to strength.  You will not get a better service anywhere else.  Read our outstanding reviews on FB, Google and Yell.com.  We always go above and beyond and nothing is ever too much trouble.

Claire Herdman

Funeral Director

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Claire was born in Carlisle and is married to Ben and has four children! She was a regular in the armed forces and is now currently a reservist with the 4th battalion Duke of Lancaster’s Regiment as an infantryman. Claire also has 15 years’ experience working with the elderly, frail, dementia and EMI patients.  Claire is a real people person and always happy to help and go the extra mile. We are so happy to have Claire onboard and hopefully you’ll see her out and about with us whilst she completes  her training. Good luck Claire and welcome to the Team.

Michael Walsh

(former owner of Michael Walsh Funeral Directors)

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Michael Walsh, Funeral Director has been conducting funerals with kindness and compassion since 1986.  After selling the business to Dignity many many years ago, Michael has decided to help us out when people request him.  He has such an amazing reputation and we are so proud that he will only do services for us.  If you have any queries please do not hesitate to get in touch.  Michael is happy to conduct funerals for families when requested.

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NOTE: Michael Walsh has nothing to do with Michael Walsh Funeral Directors in Caldewgate, Carlisle.  This company is owned by DIGNITY.

Russell Hind (Jill’s Husband)

Office Manager

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Born in Carlisle, Dalston has been my home for over six years since moving here with Jill and her children, Abbie and Mathew and we love the community spirit of the village.

My background has been over forty years in the motor trade since leaving school.

Whilst initially I did not share Jill's passion for the funeral business, her vision, drive and enthusiasm became quite infectious and it was not long before my interest was ignited.

When we were given the opportunity of the premises in the square we knew it was too good an opportunity to pass.

On being furloughed from my own job, I became more and more involved in the daily operation and saw at close hand how incredibly rewarding it is to care for families and their loved ones.

Jill has a quite unique style and her incredible attention to detail is what I believe sets her apart from other Funeral Directors and is the fundamental source of her success.

Bringing Peter into the business in December 2019 has further enhanced our standing as he brings a wealth of experience with him and he also shares Jill's vision.

Julie Whitfield

Administrative Assistant

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A farmer’s daughter, Julie originally lived near Hesket-New-Market, before moving to the village when she married 32 years ago. Having been with the same publishing company for nearly 40 years, always in an admin role, Julie took the decision to leave the business when changes came in following the

Coronavirus pandemic.

Following the death of her dad 7 years ago, and after being so well looked after by the Funeral Director dealing with all the arrangements, she then felt, if she ever changed direction in her employment, a Funeral Director’s would be the place she would love to work.
 

When the position for an Admin/Mortuary Assistant became available, and right on her doorstep, Julie applied and was delighted to accept the role.
 

She is thoroughly enjoying being part of a small family business, whom she feels are 100% committed to the families they look after with such tender care and compassion and feels it is an honour and privilege to be able to work alongside the rest of the team, helping to look after families and their loved ones in our care.

Chelsie Wiser

Carer in the Mortuary

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Born in Carlisle where I live with my partner Steven and Daughter Layla. I started working at Jill Glencross in May 2021, starting off doing casual work one day a week alongside my full-time job.

I began to love my work here straight away and knew that funeral care was something I wanted to have a career in so in august 2021 I Made the decision to leave my full-time job as a receptionist/call handler within a large GP surgery in Carlisle and started to work with Jill and the team 3 days a week and have never looked back. 

I genuinely love my job here, caring for loved ones and their families. It is so rewarding and a real honour. I am proud to be a part of Jill Glencross Independent Funeral directors and I am so grateful everyday to work within such a hardworking, caring, and compassionate team of people. Nothing is ever too much trouble and seeing the comfort families experience when paying their respects to their loved ones is immeasurable.

Chelsie Wiser

Carer in the Mortuary

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Born in Carlisle where I live with my partner Steven and Daughter Layla. I started working at Jill Glencross in May 2021, starting off doing casual work one day a week alongside my full-time job.

I began to love my work here straight away and knew that funeral care was something I wanted to have a career in so in august 2021 I Made the decision to leave my full-time job as a receptionist/call handler within a large GP surgery in Carlisle and started to work with Jill and the team 3 days a week and have never looked back. 

I genuinely love my job here, caring for loved ones and their families. It is so rewarding and a real honour. I am proud to be a part of Jill Glencross Independent Funeral directors and I am so grateful everyday to work within such a hardworking, caring, and compassionate team of people. Nothing is ever too much trouble and seeing the comfort families experience when paying their respects to their loved ones is immeasurable.

Olivia Gate

Carer in the Mortuary

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Born and raised in Carlisle, I live at home with my parents Kerry and John. I recently completed a degree in Crime Scene Science and it was whilst at university that I first worked for Jill for a placement year. I worked at the chapel between June 2019 and March 2020, before returning to University to complete my degree. I enjoyed my time at the chapel, and gained irreplaceable experience.
 

Shortly after finishing university, I was lucky enough to be offered a job back at the chapel by Jill and have never looked back. Being part of such a close knit and dedicated team is rewarding in so many ways and everyday there is an opportunity to learn something. I am proud to work with this amazing group of people and nothing is ever too much to ensure the comfort of families when they come to pay their respects to their loved ones.