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Attended Burial
£2,400
Attended Cremation
£900
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
Tony Clarke Funeral Directors in Downhill is a family-run funeral home serving Sunderland with care, dignity, and professionalism. We offer traditional funerals, direct cremation, pre-paid plans, and personal tributes. Our compassionate team is available 24/7 to guide and support you every step of the way.
"So professional, nothing was too much trouble — they went above and beyond for my family. Honestly couldn't fault them at all."
— Lynn Hutchinson
"Christine and Rose were caring, professional, and made sure that every detail was taken care of with dignity and respect."
— Margaret Wilson (about Christine)
"Tony & Marik and the team are so supportive — anyone out there not sure who to use, do NOT hesitate, they are the people."
— Tracy Walker (about Tony)
"What stood out to me was how calm and supportive everyone was – nothing was too much trouble, and the service felt personal and heartfelt. It brought real comfort to the family at such a difficult time."
— Margaret Wilson (about Christine)
"Christina was amazing and compassionate to the staff and myself who had to arrange his service — you are a credit to Tony Clarke company."
— Linda Ridley (about Christina)
"From the first moment we rang, Christine guided us through and took real weight off our shoulders. She was just as caring and attentive in person. She kept in touch all the way, always updating us and making sure we felt looked after. A big thank you also to Marik for opening the chapel out of hours so our family could visit. It made such a hard time that bit easier."
— Dani47 Brown (about Christine)
Dani47 Brown
7 months ago
From the first moment we rang, Christine guided us through and took real weight off our shoulders. When we met her in person, nothing changed . She was just as caring and attentive. She kept in touch all the way , always updating us and making sure we felt looked after. A big thank you also to Marik for opening the chapel out of hours so our family could visit. It made such a hard time that bit easier, and I can't thank them enough.
Tracy Walker
7 months ago
I would just like to say a massive thank you for providing a 1st class service, at such a sad time for our family, they were there guiding us all the way, and made sure the day went well (as well as it could) Tony & Marik and the team are so supportive, anyone out there not sure who to use, Do NOT hesitate, they are the people. Thank you once again from myself and my family . Xx
Margaret Wilson
8 months ago
I recently supported my family on a funeral arranged by Tony Clarke Funeral Directors at their Downhill branch, and I was very impressed by the way everything was handled. Christine and Rose were caring, professional, and made sure that every detail was taken care of with dignity and respect. What stood out to me was how calm and supportive everyone was – nothing was too much trouble, and the service felt personal and heartfelt. It brought real comfort to the family at such a difficult time. I would have no hesitation in recommending the Downhill branch to anyone needing a thoughtful and professional funeral service. Margaret W
Lynn Hutchinson
a year ago
So professional nothing was to much trouble the went above and beyond for my family honestly couldn't fault them at all
Linda Ridley
4 years ago
We would just like to say a huge thank you to Christina who organised our residents funeral who had know family, Christina was amazing and compassionate to the staff and myself who had to arrange his service you are a credit to Tony Clarke company ❤️ Thank you Linda and staff x
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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 01915656055We'll call you back
Tony Clarke Funeral Directors - Downhill will be in touch shortly.
You've just taken the first step — contacting a funeral director.
See the full checklistLeave your number and Tony Clarke Funeral Directors - Downhill 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
Find trusted, NAFD-accredited funeral directors in Sunderland, Tyne and Wear. All members follow a strict Code of Practice, giving your family the care and protection you deserve.
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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.
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