“Somewhere over the rainbow”: Rainbow hearse to appear at Southampton Pride

23 August 2018

This weekend, Co-op’s rainbow hearse will be seen driving the streets of Southampton as part of the city’s pride parade.

Originally a Ford Cardinal, the hearse has been transformed with the full colours of the rainbow.

Last year, Co-op funeralcare unveiled its first Rainbow hearse at Brighton Pride. Since then, the hearse has been requested, on average twice a month, by families across the UK to personalise the funeral of their loved one.

Andrew Cutmore, Co-op Funeralcare’s Regional Manager for Southampton said:

“Personalisation within funerals is something that we’re seeing often. Families want to reflect the personalities and interests that their loved one had while they were alive. If a family’s request is possible to do, such as this one, our funeral directors and arrangers will do what they can to make it happen.”

The rainbow hearse forms part of a broader commitment to equality and diversity at Co-op, not only within local communities but also via Respect; Co-op’s award winning, inclusive lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT+) network.

The hearse is available for funerals organised by Co-op Funeralcare and can be transported to any location within the UK where requested by a loved one.

Notes to editors

Additional images available upon request

Media Contacts:

Claire Newmarch
PR Assistant
Email: Claire.newmarch@coop.co.uk
Mobile: 07808609944

Sarah Pyatt Press Officer
Email: sarah.pyatt@coop.co.uk
Mobile: 07850 002 312

About the Co-op

The Co-op is one of the world’s largest consumer co-operatives and has a clear purpose of championing a better way of doing business for you and your communities. Owned by millions of UK consumers, the Co-op operates a total of 3,750 outlets, with more than 70,000 employees and an annual turnover of over £9 billion.

Home to the UK’s leading funeral provider, Co-op Funeralcare conducts almost 100,000 funerals annually across over 1,000 funeral homes. Combined with its leading legal services business, the Co-op is also a national provider of later life products and services ranging from funeral plans, through to wills and probate.