Birkenshaw teen, 16, becomes one of the UK's youngest funeral operatives

Fresh-faced teenager Bailey Arnold has joined the family firm – as one of the UK’s youngest funeral operatives.
Bailey Arnold with his mum and dadBailey Arnold with his mum and dad
Bailey Arnold with his mum and dad

Rugby-loving Bailey, 16, is a fully-fledged funeral service operative doing everything colleagues three times his age do.

Bailey has grown up around Birkenshaw-based Gateway Funeral Services, run by his parents Richard and Emma.

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And when the family business became busy during the Covid-19 pandemic and his GCSEs were called off, Bailey begged to join the firm.

“I have been around the business all my life so it’s normal for me,” said Bailey. “Because of Covid we were off school and dad was short of staff so I asked if I could join.”

Bailey plays a full part from washing and dressing to collecting the deceased from care homes and hospitals. The only thing he doesn’t do is drive – and that’s the only aspect of the job he can’t legally do because of his age.

Bailey, who attended BBG Academy and captains Birkenshaw Bluedogs RL under-18s, said: “My friends know but probably don’t fully understand what I do.

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“It’s weird for someone my age but I enjoy what I do and I think I’m good at it. It’s the satisfaction you get from helping a grieving family.”

Bailey is currently doing a combined rugby and motor vehicle course at Calderdale College but it’s online right now so he can help the family business too.

Bailey attends funerals but the funeral directors are his mum or dad.

“Families don’t say anything to me about my age but I can see them looking,” said Bailey.

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“Maybe they think I am a bit older than I look and I just have a baby face!”

Richard, 41, and Emma, 40, are proud of Bailey, just as they are of all their children - Charlie, 15, Darcey, 12, and nine-year-old Jensen.

They have all had an insight into the funeral business started by Richard in 2008. A Batley branch has just been added to the ones in Cleckheaton and Wibsey.

Richard said: “Nothing fazes Bailey and he’s as strong as an ox. He will talk to anyone and is very confident.”

Will Bailey take over the family business eventually? “It’s a running joke,” said Richard. “I say this business is my pension so he’ll have to buy it off me!”

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