Dear Friends,
Funerals By Mark Drake was established in 2019 to lead the way in offering continuity of care, cost efficient quality funeral services. Offering a modern but still traditional alternative to the scripted corporate funeral providers and the other funeral directors that you may have used in the past.
The company is owned and managed daily by Mark Drake – Principal Funeral Director. Who along with his dedicated team have been proud to provide quality, affordable and bespoke service to families not only in Suffolk but throughout the Southeast.
A little-known fact is that Funerals By Mark Drake has been for the past 3 years one of the busiest and most intrusted local funeral directors in the area, as it has carried out all Memoria funerals locally since 2019 as well as other respected leading companies, also we support many more throughout the industry with our professional services & facilities.
This is just one of the reasons why Mark took the decision to open his first and only one stop funeral home at 31 Mobbs Way in Lowestoft. Mark says it will only ever be one branch, as he personally wants to ensure the quality and standards throughout the company are at the highest level whilst he continues to challenge the status quo in the industry today, putting the client first and foremost in everything we do.
Our mission statement is simple but forms the backbone of the company ‘’A Tradition Of Trust” & “A Promise Of Care” At all times ensuring your loved ones are cared for at our funeral home by us to the highest of standards.
Best always,
Principle Funeral Director
Meet The Team
Mark Drake
Owner and Principle Funeral Director
Mark has proudly worked in the funeral industry for the past eight years in various roles, ranging from Regional Director with the UK’s largest independent crematorium company, to his current position as owner and Principal Funeral Director at Affordable & Bespoke Funerals. Before his time in the funeral sector Mark had a twenty-year career, in which he held various senior roles within the UK’s best known budget hotel group. It was during this time Mark built a large portfolio of businesses, in which guest satisfaction, professionalism and attention to detail was key. This passion and commitment to be the very best in any industry he works in, offering unrivalled levels of care and service at an honest, fair price, has seen Affordable Bespoke Funerals grow from a start up company in 2019 to where it is today. Sharing his core values – efficiency, continuity of care and a real passion for driving standards. These together affords us unique place in offering true value for money without compromising standards or quality. Mark prides himself on leading from the front and works in the business every day, he is part of the on-call team as well as directing and managing all aspects of the company.
Gary Atherton-Caie
Funeral Director & Branch Manager
As a compassionate and dedicated Funeral professional, I have the privilege of supporting individuals and families during one of the most challenging times in their lives. With 8 years of experience in the funeral industry, I bring a deep understanding of the importance of empathy, professionalism, and attention to detail. My primary goal is to provide comfort, guidance, and support to grieving families. I am committed to helping them navigate through the funeral planning process with compassion and sensitivity. I work closely with families to understand their unique needs and wishes, ensuring that every aspect of the funeral service reflects their loved one’s life and honors their memory. I have a comprehensive knowledge of funeral practices, regulations, and traditions, and I am adept at handling all aspects of funeral arrangements, including coordinating with cemeteries, crematoriums, and other service providers. I strive to create a warm and welcoming atmosphere, offering a safe space where families can express their emotions and find solace. In addition to my technical expertise, I am an effective communicator and listener. I understand the importance of active listening and providing a supportive presence to those who are grieving. I am skilled at guiding families through difficult decisions and offering them meaningful options to create a personalised and meaningful tribute for their loved one. It is an honour to serve families during their time of need, as I strive to provide the highest level of care and support. I am confident that my compassion, professionalism, and attention to detail will make a positive difference in the lives of those I serve.
Tim Jenkins
Funeral Support / Bearer / On Call Team / Celebrant
I describe myself as Wenglish as I was born in England but my parents were from Wales and I moved back to Wales when I was 9 then back to England when I was 32!
For 15 years I was the Senior Superintendent for the Fishermen’s Mission a great charity supporting fishermen and their families. It was here that I partly fulfilled a dream of supporting people that had experienced bereavement and helped plan lots of funerals and had the great honor of officiating at the funerals. Whilst doing this I realised the other half of a long term dream was to work in the funeral business.
I left my work at the Fishermen’s Mission and became a full time foster carer and have done that over the last 5 years. More recently my wife has joined me in this and thus has freed up some time for me to pursue the other half on my dream.
It is a pleasure and honor to work with Mark and Gary and to see the way they are wanting to offer so much more than other funeral directors do. The storage facilities are some of the bast in the area and the flexibility is second to none.
My other passion in life the work I do with my local Church and love serving people there. And when I’m not doing all of that chilling with my family in the hot tub is just ace!
Betsy
Bereavement Dog – In Training
Betsy is our bereavement dog and newest member of the team; she is based with her Dad in our Lowestoft branch. Betsy is currently studying hard, as she is only a puppy and still has lots to learn. She always runs to the door to meet everyone with a waggy tail. She loves her belly rubs and can normally be found at her master’s feet in preparation for the next cuddle. Betsy will over the coming months be joining the team full time in her new role, wishing her all the best in her comforting, and supporting role.