Ashes finder

If you have lost touch with a branch over the years, or you are not sure what happened to a relative's ashes, we may be able to help.

This page is for anyone who believes we may still be caring for the ashes of someone who died some time ago, particularly before 2025. We are carrying out a nationwide review of the ashes in our care and contacting families where our records allow.

If you are trying to collect ashes from a recent funeral, please speak to the branch that arranged the service. They will be able to help you far more quickly.

Email our ashes support team at ashessupport@dignityuk.co.uk and we will check our records for you.

Please include as much of the following as you can:

• your full name and contact details
• the full name of the person who has died
• your relationship to them
• the date of the death or the cremation, and the crematorium where the funeral took place
• proof of your identity
• any supporting documentation, such as written authorisation or confirmation that you are the executor.

Anything else you can remember, such as who arranged the funeral, will help us find the right record.

Our team will check our central records and contact the branch that arranged the funeral.

If we find a match, we will be in touch to confirm what happens next. If we do not, we will still let you know.

We aim to reply within 10 working days.

The person who arranged the cremation is normally the only person entitled to ask about the ashes. That is usually whoever signed the cremation paperwork, known as the applicant, or the executor of the will.

If that person cannot make the request themselves, they can give written permission for someone else to do it, whether a family member, a friend or a legal representative. We will ask for proof of identity and a copy of the written authorisation before we share anything.

We understand that this can be a difficult time. Where there is a disagreement within a family, we will not share information or take any action until the matter is settled.

We stay neutral and will not take sides. We may ask for legal documentation or guidance before going any further.

We care for ashes until families are ready. Some families choose to wait before deciding, and others lose touch over the years.

If we are still caring for the ashes of someone in your family, we will do everything we can to help you reconnect, however long it has been.