About Us

Jill Glencross

Funeral Director & Owner

Born in Carlisle, I have lived in the village of Dalston with my family for several years. My husband Russell Hind, children Abbie and Matthew, our black cat Lenny, jackawawa Roxy and our hens!

From a very young age my ambition has always been to become a Funeral Director and after almost 24 years in Pathology, I decided it was time to fulfil my dream. I have previously worked for Walker's Carlisle, Michael Walsh and John Tremble Funeral Directors (who are no longer independently owned but owned by the chain DIGNITY). When the opportunity came up for me to become an Independent Funeral Director I felt the time was right.

During my time at the Cumberland Infirmary after having my children and working only part-time I also volunteered at Eden Valley Hospice helping provide respite care, love and attention to patients and their families. I have previously worked as a Health Care Assistant on the wards at the Cumberland Infirmary alongside my post in Pathology.

The knowledge I gained during my time in Pathology liaising very closely with Her Majesty's Coroner, GP's, families, Bereavement Services and Funeral Directors has proved invaluable.

Since 8th October 2018 we have cared for almost 1800 loved ones and their families (updated Sept 2024). I am so proud of what I have achieved and the business is going from strength to strength. You will not get a better service anywhere else. Read our outstanding reviews on FB, Google and Yell.com. We always go above and beyond and nothing is ever too much trouble.

We have won many awards including: New Business of the Year 2020, Cumbria Woman of the Year 2022, been named the number one Funeral Directors in Carlisle for 2022/23/24 and most recently Jill won the Female Entrepreneur Award 2024 at the Elite Awards Carlisle.

Peter Watson

Funeral Director

Born at Nealhouse, Nr Thursby, and lived and worked in the Carlisle area all my life, currently living at Lowry Hill within the city, with my wife of 43 years, Carol, we have three grown up children and sadly have lost our Jack Russell terrier Smudge. I'm now also the proud grandad of our first grandchild Lottie who is now one.

Following the sudden death of my sister, and subsequently my mother, this heightened my desire to become a Funeral Director. Having worked for North West Water (United Utilities) for over 31 years, being offered voluntary redundancy at the age of 50, this gave me the greatest opportunity of my life, and I fulfilled my dream to become a Funeral Director.

During the past 15 years, I have arranged well in excess of 1750 funerals for families, some of those families I have helped with five family bereavements, but most importantly I still feel that the next family is as equally important as the first I arranged. I often get asked is the job not repetitive, and morbid? Nothing could be further from the truth, every family is unique, every funeral is different and personal to that family.

The most important thing is ‘get it right’, ‘get it right first time’ and to only make promises you can keep.

I also respect the importance of seeing the whole process through from beginning to completion; and with the creation of Dalston Memorial Ltd in partnership with Jill in 2020, we can now offer a service to provide new memorials, additional inscriptions and general memorial maintenance.

Jill, Peter, Claire or Teresa are available 24 hours to offer a friendly, personal,

caring and professional service, just call (01228) 317373.

Claire Herdman

Funeral Director

Claire was born in Carlisle and is married to Ben and has four children, two dogs Lola and Vinnie. She was a regular in the armed forces and is now currently a reservist with the 4th battalion Duke of Lancaster’s Regiment as an infantryman. Claire also has 15 years’ experience working with the elderly, frail, dementia and EMI patients. Claire is a real people person and always happy to help and go the extra mile. Claire joined the business in 2021 and has undertaken over 300 funerals herself now. Claire enjoys keeping fit, fell walking and being with her family during her spare team.

Teresa Davidson

Trainee Funeral Director

I was born and raised in Carlisle, I have three beautiful children and I’m a widow. I was married to my wonderful husband Lee for 15 years.

After leaving Caldew School, Dalston, I worked in a factory checking quality control. In 2005 the factory closed down and everyone was made redundant.

The day I lost my job I also lost my dad, he passed away unexpectedly. I took on the role of arranging dad's final goodbye, with zero idea of his wishes. I helped my family the best I could, in the only way I knew how, and that was to take pride in his care in death just like he did for us all in life.

I went on to work in an all boys boarding school in Bolton, Near Appleby, then took a job closer to home. I have worked in care for over 18 years with children and adults with learning disabilities along with elderly and end of life patients.

This brings me to 2020 the year I became a widow and the children lost their dad. Jill was amazing. I can still recall our first chat, she took the time to listen and talk about Lee and the children were included where they could be. She gave us all the time we needed with her unique ways and attention to detail; this made all the difference, with the finer details in place and the constant support I felt valued in her care. The compassion and attentiveness from the whole team was impeccable. No questions asked were silly and the support from first contact has been a great comfort and still is.

When a job came up to join the on-call team and to be a mortuary assistant it ignited an old flame in me. I applied in the hope I’d be able to fulfil my dream, being able to share my own experiences is invaluable and to join an amazing team of like minded caring individuals is all I could have asked for and more. In 2024 I stepped into the role of Trainee Funeral Director and I now have the pleasure of caring for families and arranging the funeral myself.

I take pride in caring for your loved ones in death just like you have in life.

Caring is what I love and I’m here to help, support and listen during your most difficult journey. It’s a great honour and a privilege.

Michael Walsh

(former owner of Michael Walsh Funeral Directors)

Michael Walsh, Funeral Director has been conducting funerals with kindness and compassion since 1986. After selling the business to Dignity many many years ago, Michael has decided to help us out when people request him. He has such an amazing reputation and we are so proud that he will only do services for us. If you have any queries please do not hesitate to get in touch. Michael is happy to conduct funerals for families when requested. The staff here Jill, Peter, Claire or Teresa will arrange everything but Michael will conduct.

NOTE: Michael Walsh has nothing to do with Michael Walsh Funeral Directors in Caldewgate, Carlisle. This company is owned by DIGNITY.

Russell Hind (Jill’s Husband)

Office Manager

Born in Carlisle, Dalston has been my home for almost 10 years since moving here with Jill and her children, Abbie and Mathew and we love the community spirit of the village.

My background has been over forty years in the motor trade since leaving school.

Whilst initially I did not share Jill's passion for the funeral business, her vision, drive and enthusiasm became quite infectious and it was not long before my interest was ignited.

When we were given the opportunity of the premises in the square we knew it was too good an opportunity to pass.

On being furloughed from my own job, I became more and more involved in the daily operation and saw at close hand how incredibly rewarding it is to care for families and their loved ones.

Jill has a quite unique style and her incredible attention to detail is what I believe sets her apart from other Funeral Directors and is the fundamental source of her success.

Bringing Peter into the business in December 2019 has further enhanced our standing as he brings a wealth of experience with him and he also shares Jill's vision. We never expected the business to expand as much as it has now employing 20 staff.

Julie Whitfield

Administrative Assistant

A farmer’s daughter, Julie originally lived near Hesket-New-Market, before moving to the village when she married 34 years ago. Having been with the same publishing company for nearly 40 years, always in an admin role, Julie took the decision to leave the business when changes came in following the Coronavirus pandemic.

Following the death of her dad 10 years ago, and after being so well looked after by the Funeral Director dealing with all the arrangements, she then felt, if she ever changed direction in her employment, a Funeral Directors would be the place she would love to work.

When the position for an Admin Assistant became available, and right on her doorstep, Julie applied and was delighted to accept the role.

She thoroughly enjoys being part of a small family business, whom she feels are 100% committed to the families they look after with such tender care and compassion and feels it is an honour and privilege to be able to work alongside the rest of the team, helping to look after families and their loved ones in our care.

Olivia Gate

Carer in the Mortuary

Born and raised in Carlisle, I live at home with my parents and our dogs and cats. I completed a degree in Crime Scene Science and it was whilst at university that I first worked for Jill for a placement year. I worked at the chapel between June 2019 and March 2020, before returning to University to complete my degree. I enjoyed my time at the chapel, and gained irreplaceable experience.

Shortly after finishing university, I was lucky enough to be offered a job back at the chapel by Jill and have never looked back. Being part of such a close knit and dedicated team is rewarding in so many ways and everyday there is an opportunity to learn something. I am proud to work with this amazing group of people and nothing is ever too much to ensure the comfort of families when they come to pay their respects to their loved ones.

Sadie Beattie

Carer in the Mortuary

I live with my husband Nigel and our three daughters. I love to be busy outdoors with Charlie, our king Charles spaniel and I like to relax by doing painting and crafts.

I have lived in Carlisle for over 30 years. I have always felt a deep connection to the community here. Whether it be through school, work, volunteering or always being out and about with my children and dogs. I came to work at Jill Glencross after working for 15 years with children and young people with learning difficulties in a respite home. I have a strong belief in caring for people with dignity and respect, and the importance of this to the family of the loved one in my care. I have seen the positive outcomes for families through working collaboratively to understand their needs and the wishes of their loved one. I always work hard to bring these beliefs to everything I do.