Call for Legacy Funeral Home’s unidentified ashes to be given a ‘special resting place’

The families affected by the Legacy Inquiry have proposed creating one “special place” where the ashes can rest so they can be mourned appropriately.

Hull West and Hessle MP Emma Hardy has pledged support for the idea after hearing about it at a recent vigil. Human ashes and 35 bodies were removed from the Legacy Funeral Home in Hessle Road on Wednesday, March 6, sparking a major police investigation.

Ms Hardy told the BBC: “When I recently attended a vigil I spoke to people affected and this idea came straight from them. They talked about having somewhere where they could put the ashes in some kind of special space. place that could be visited.”

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Unfortunately, police said the ashes found could not be identified because the DNA had been degraded during cremation. Some people wonder if the ashes they received are the right ones and don’t know what to do with them.

Hull City Council said it is in the early stages of planning what will happen to the ashes and will work closely with the deceased’s relatives and loved ones. A spokesperson told the BBC: “The intention is to engage with affected families and the local community to agree how we will lay the unidentified ashes to rest.

“Given the ongoing criminal investigation, with police only recently confirming that individual ashes cannot be identified through DNA, and the fact that many families are still being supported through this extremely difficult verification and identification process, these discussions are planned to to take place in the coming weeks.”

A 46-year-old man and a 23-year-old woman arrested in connection with the investigation remain on police bail. They had been arrested on suspicion of preventing a lawful burial, fraud by false representation and fraud by abuse of position.

The charity Victim Support has set up a helpline with the help of the police and municipalities. Anyone experiencing difficulties due to the investigation can call 0808 281 1136.

A second vigil will be held on Thursday, May 2 in Pickering Park and organized by Karen Dry. Everyone is welcome to bring candles, flowers or balloons to remember their loved ones.