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A funeral director has pulled strings to organise a puppet show during a service for a woman who loved Punch and Judy.

When Rachael Lee approached West Midlands-based Jennifer Ashe & Son to arrange the funeral of her late mother, Carol Lee, she made the "unconventional" request to honour her mum's love for the comedy duo.

Carol Lee died at the age of 68, just one day after the funeral of her husband, Bob Lee, who was found dead at his home in Walsall on 4 December.

The company stepped in to cover the cost of Mr and Mrs Lee's funerals after the firm they had a pre-paid funeral plan with collapsed.

Joe Evans, company secretary and funeral director, said he understood the significance of the memory to Mrs Lee's daughter and secured a show by Banana Brain Fun Shows from Northamptonshire.

Ms Lee said: "It was just as I had imagined it and I know Mom would’ve loved it. Punch and Judy was always one of her favourites.

Mrs Lee was diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease in 2017 and had lived in a care home ever since.

Her husband organised for Punch and Judy shows to be held in the home, as well as other events such as carol services.

"He was devoted to my mom," Ms Lee said.

Joe Evans said: "As more people opt for personalised farewells, we’re seeing a rise in the number of out-of-the-ordinary requests.

"From a donkey attending a funeral to puppet shows, each service tends to reflect the individuality and spirit of the departed.

"By embracing unique requests like Rachael’s, we’re proud to be supporting people through the grieving process while honouring the legacy that will remain for those in attendance."

The firm stepped in to pay for the funerals of Mr and Mrs Lee after Safe Hands, the funeral plan provider they had used, went bust in 2022.

She believed her father had pre-paid £3,750 for each funeral, meaning her family was £7,500 out of pocket.

She launched a fundraiser to cover her father's funeral, before the funeral director offered to pay for both funerals.

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