Latest vigil for families affected by Hull’s Legacy funeral scandal with people ‘finding strength’ in coming together

The latest in a series of vigils held to help families affected by the Legacy funeral scandal in Hull will be held on Thursday, February 6.

Organiser Karen Dry said the vigil will be held from 6pm to 7pm, at St Nicholas Church, 898 Hessle Road, Hull HU4 6SA. “As usual, it will be a quiet, respectful vigil with flowers, candles and prayers. We invite and welcome your support,” she said in a post about the event.

This latest vigil has been arranged after evidence comprising more than 13,000 exhibits was submitted to the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS), following a ten-month police investigation into Hull's Legacy Independent Funeral Directors. In March 2024, Humberside Police launched a major investigation following a report of "concern for care of the deceased".

Ashes and 35 bodies were removed from the company's Hessle Road premises. In July, police confirmed they had identified 163 families linked to the ashes.

Karen, whose parents were cremated by Legacy in 2016 and 2019, said: “At the vigil we will be laying flowers and lighting candles, it will be very relaxed. People tend to have a bit of a chat, everyone takes a bit of strength from it.”

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Karen said: “People are still reaching out and I think it’s quite brave – I’m still getting people referred to me for support. They still need to be able to talk about it.

“I think the vigils have been really worthwhile in getting our name out there.” Karen said it was a matter of “plodding on” while the case continued.

“It will take however long it takes,” she said, adding it had been a “living hell” for many people.

A 46-year-old man arrested on suspicion of prevention of a lawful and decent burial, fraud by false representation and fraud by abuse of position, remains on conditional bail. A 54-year-old woman, who was arrested in July on suspicion of money laundering offences, also remains on bail.

In January, Assistant Chief Constable Thom McLoughlin said that, after a “meticulous” ten-month investigation, a comprehensive file of evidence, comprising of over 13,000 exhibits, had been submitted to the CPS for their detailed consideration. He said: “In consultation with the CPS, we remain committed to keeping those families affected at the heart of this investigation and we will look to provide further updates about the progression of the case and the next steps, after those who have been so deeply affected have been informed.”

Anyone impacted by the incident is encouraged to reach out to Victim Support by visiting the website or by calling 0808 28 111 36.