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You've just taken the first step — contacting a funeral director.
See the full checklistLeave your number and Thornhill Funeral Services will call you back.
Free, no obligation. We'll pass your number to the director.
Ready to speak to someone? A free, no-obligation call can help you understand the next steps.
If anything has changed, a quick call with a specialist can confirm.
A quick call with a specialist can help you figure out what applies.
Question of 3
Did the person who died own a property?
Including any property in their name, even if jointly owned.
Were there savings, investments, or other assets?
Bank accounts, shares, pensions, or valuables above a few thousand pounds.
Was there a will?
Even if you're not sure where it is, knowing one exists can change the process.
This can feel overwhelming, but you don't have to figure it out alone. A probate specialist can walk you through the next steps — no obligation, no pressure.
That's one less thing to worry about. If anything changes or you'd like a quick confirmation, a specialist can put your mind at rest.
Many families don't have all the information straight away — that's completely normal. A quick chat with a specialist can help you understand what applies to your situation.
What the probate process looks like
Apply for Grant of Probate
Collect assets & close accounts
Pay debts & tax
Distribute the estate
A specialist handles all of this for you.
Trusted by thousands of families across the UK
You probably don't need to pay for the funeral yourself
The estate will likely go through probate, which means the funeral costs can be paid from the estate. You need a probate specialist to make this happen.
Sail Probate · Fixed fees, nothing upfront
Probate might not be needed
That means the funeral costs probably can't be covered this way. But every situation is different — a quick chat can confirm.
We need a bit more info
Don't worry — lots of people aren't sure at this stage. A quick chat can work out whether the funeral costs can be covered.
Want to talk it through?
Free, no obligation.
Want to check with a specialist?
Free, no obligation.
Want to find out for sure?
Free, no obligation.
Sail Probate · Trusted by thousands of families
A specialist will call you soon
Free, no-obligation advice from Sail Probate
What happens next
Request received
Just now
A specialist reviews your details
Within 1 hour
You'll receive a call
Within 24 hours
Lines open now Lines open Mon-Fri 9am-5pm · 0808 196 0258
Result saved
If you need help later, call Sail Probate free:
Lines open now Lines open Mon-Fri 9am-5pm · 0808 196 0258
We'll give you a call
A Sail Probate specialist will talk you through everything and answer any questions.
Interested in: We handle everything (£6,000)
Interested in: Just the probate application (£1,000)
Lines open now Lines open Mon-Fri 9am-5pm · 0808 196 0258
No problem
If you'd like to talk about probate or funeral costs, call Sail Probate free:
Lines open now Lines open Mon-Fri 9am-5pm · 0808 196 0258
Alexander Thornhill is a fully qualified Funeral Director and Embalmer with over 20 years experience. Alex uses his wealth of knowledge and expertise to advise and guide you to create a unique funeral tailored to your requirements.
Alex will be your sole point of contact from the very first phone call.
"What a breath of fresh air to find a funeral director who is honest, caring, compassionate and lovely. Alex made the whole process so easy. He listened to everything we said with such grace. I would recommend him 120%."
— Rosie Weeks (about Alex)
"He used his experience to guide us through the entire process and made sure that all decisions were fully geared towards what we wanted rather than towards choosing the more expensive options or additional extras."
— Paul Smith (about Alex Thornhill)
"He made brilliant recommendations, sharing a range of excellent local small businesses whose flowers and catering were praised by all the guests. For those looking for someone who goes the extra mile to turn a difficult day into a beautiful farewell, I cannot recommend Thornhill Funeral Services more highly."
— Zoe Stern (about Alex)
"Alexander showed deep respect and understanding for the difficult situation we were facing. Thank you, Alexander, for everything you have done for Irene and our family during this challenging time. Your compassion and professionalism meant so much to us."
— Idene Roozbayani (about Alexander)
"He came out to our house within an hour or two of us contacting him and kept in regular touch with us throughout a long 7 week wait between my Dad dying and the funeral. He arranged everything and nothing was too much trouble. A truly bespoke service."
— Anna Nicholson (about Alex)
"You treated our children with respect and included them in every aspect - all their questions were answered and you communicated directly with them too, making them feel fully included. Nothing was too much for you. You guided us through every detail and went above and beyond to ensure everything went smoothly. We have never felt rushed in any decisions and you have always had time for us all."
— Kate Owen (about Alexi)
Alexander Thornhill
Funeral Director and Embalmer
"Alexander showed deep respect and understanding for the difficult situation we were facing. Thank you, Alexander, for e…"
Alexander Thornhill
Funeral Director and Embalmer
"Alexander showed deep respect and understanding for the difficult situation we were facing. Thank you, Alexander, for e…"
Will Jago
2 months ago
I presided with Alex from this exact reason - looking at the reviews and I couldn't have been in better hands From the organisation, to the level of care and the overall comfort we had in knowing my grandma had a great funeral. The day went seamless and we really had him to thank. I would recommend Thornill Funeral Services to anyone. Many thanks again
Kate Owen
4 months ago
Thank you Alexi for looking after us so well during the most difficult weeks of our lives. You treated us all with such kindness and compassion. The dignity and respect you showed for my husband was clear to see. You treated our children with respect and included them in every aspect - all their questions were answered and you communicated directly with them too, making them feel fully included. Nothing was too much for you. You guided us through every detail and went above and beyond to ensure everything went smoothly both for the cremation service and the thanksgiving service a few weeks later. Everyone attending both services has had nothing but praise for how they were run and all the personal touches included, which you incorporated seamlessly. We have never felt rushed in any decisions and you have always had time for us all. We could not recommend your services more highly - thank you.
Rosie Weeks
a month ago
What a breath of fresh air to find a funeral director who is honest, caring, compassionate and lovely. Alex made the whole process so easy. He listened to everything we said with such grace. I would recommend him 120%.
Zoe Stern
11 months ago
Strongly recommended. Alex guided our family with so much kindness and skill, ensuring that the funeral for our close family member was a deeply personal and fitting tribute. At a time when everything could feel overwhelming, we were able to rely on him to handle it all. He made brilliant recommendations, sharing a range of excellent local small businesses whose flowers and catering were praised by all the guests. I very much hope not to need to rely on a funeral director again in the near future, but for those in the Newcastle area who are looking for someone who goes the extra mile to turn a difficult day into a beautiful farewell, I cannot recommend Thornhill Funeral Services more highly.
Andrew Nagaj
3 months ago
Excellent Service. Alex is a consummate professional. He has outstanding communication skills and was caring and compassionate at all times. I would not hesitate to recommend Thornhill Funeral Services to anyone.
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Ready to speak to someone? A free, no-obligation call can help you understand the next steps.
If anything has changed, a quick call with a specialist can confirm.
A quick call with a specialist can help you figure out what applies.
Question of 3
Did the person who died own a property?
Including any property in their name, even if jointly owned.
Were there savings, investments, or other assets?
Bank accounts, shares, pensions, or valuables above a few thousand pounds.
Was there a will?
Even if you're not sure where it is, knowing one exists can change the process.
This can feel overwhelming, but you don't have to figure it out alone. A probate specialist can walk you through the next steps — no obligation, no pressure.
That's one less thing to worry about. If anything changes or you'd like a quick confirmation, a specialist can put your mind at rest.
Many families don't have all the information straight away — that's completely normal. A quick chat with a specialist can help you understand what applies to your situation.
What the probate process looks like
Apply for Grant of Probate
Collect assets & close accounts
Pay debts & tax
Distribute the estate
A specialist handles all of this for you.
Trusted by thousands of families across the UK
You probably don't need to pay for the funeral yourself
The estate will likely go through probate, which means the funeral costs can be paid from the estate. You need a probate specialist to make this happen.
Sail Probate · Fixed fees, nothing upfront
Probate might not be needed
That means the funeral costs probably can't be covered this way. But every situation is different — a quick chat can confirm.
We need a bit more info
Don't worry — lots of people aren't sure at this stage. A quick chat can work out whether the funeral costs can be covered.
Want to talk it through?
Free, no obligation.
Want to check with a specialist?
Free, no obligation.
Want to find out for sure?
Free, no obligation.
Sail Probate · Trusted by thousands of families
A specialist will call you soon
Free, no-obligation advice from Sail Probate
What happens next
Request received
Just now
A specialist reviews your details
Within 1 hour
You'll receive a call
Within 24 hours
Lines open now Lines open Mon-Fri 9am-5pm · 0808 196 0258
Result saved
If you need help later, call Sail Probate free:
Lines open now Lines open Mon-Fri 9am-5pm · 0808 196 0258
We'll give you a call
A Sail Probate specialist will talk you through everything and answer any questions.
Interested in: We handle everything (£6,000)
Interested in: Just the probate application (£1,000)
Lines open now Lines open Mon-Fri 9am-5pm · 0808 196 0258
No problem
If you'd like to talk about probate or funeral costs, call Sail Probate free:
Lines open now Lines open Mon-Fri 9am-5pm · 0808 196 0258
Get in touch
Call 07732052170We'll call you back
Thornhill Funeral Services will be in touch shortly.
You've just taken the first step — contacting a funeral director.
See the full checklistLeave your number and Thornhill Funeral Services will call you back.
Free, no obligation. We'll pass your number to the director.
You've completed of 18 steps on the bereavement checklist.
Continue your checklist18 things to sort when someone dies — keep track so nothing gets missed.
See the full checklist
What to wear to a funeral in the UK: traditional expectations, modern dress codes, religious variations, what not to wear, and guidance for children.
The average cost of a funeral in the UK is £4,141. This guide breaks down every fee, explains regional differences, and shows you how to manage costs without compromising dignity.
Direct cremation is the UK's fastest-growing funeral option, typically costing £895–£1,500. This guide explains what it involves, how to arrange one, and who it suits best.
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