AN embalmer's compassion and professional skills have earned her recognition on a national level.

Rachel Carline, who works at Co-op Funeralcare in Bury, has been singled out as part of a staff recognition event staged by the trading giant.

Not only has Rachel been lauded for going above and beyond the call of duty on behalf of families - she also hosts a podcast for fellow professionals.

Promoters of the Being Co-op virtual gathering were won over by the Silver Street based operative's dedication.

One assignment saw her undertake an 18-hour reconstruction exercise on behalf of a family - so a lasting image could be provided of their loved one.

Award organisers say that she was also able to create two hand castings, for the family, and source an appropriate presentation vessel.

Jane Walapu, Co-op colleague recognition head, said: "It’s hard to put into words the effort and dedication that Rachel demonstrated that evening.

"Working into the early hours, she doubted herself several times to be able to complete the works. But her commitment to support the family was her main driver.

“She spent time with the family talking them through everything and at their request, stayed with them during their visit."

She was supposed to be on annual leave at the time, according to her bosses.

Rachel won experience vouchers and was invited to a virtual afternoon tea hosted by Co-op chief executive, Steve Murrells.

Last September Rachel, previously been elected as the north west chairman for the British Institute of Embalmers, began a podcast with colleague Andy Floyd.

Between them the pair have covered a host of professional issues and techniques over seven episodes. One of their recent topics was the impact of the coronavirus epidemic on mortuary sciences and embalming.

Rachel started out in administration at the Co-op before becoming a funeral arrange, then training for her current role from 2012.

The work of an embalmer at a Bury funeral home has received national recognition

Rachel Carline, who works at Co-op Funeralcare in Silver Street, won the colleague of the year award at the recent virtual Being Co-op event.

Jane Walapu, Colleague Recognition lead, at the Co-op said: “In my role, I’m lucky enough to see and hear about lots of stories where colleagues have gone above and beyond to do the right thing, but Rachel’s dedication to a familyAs you will see a Bury she was supporting was invaluable.

Rachel’s an exceptional Embalmer, notably undertaking an 18 hour embalming reconstruction to support a family and provide a positive lasting image of their loved one.

“It’s hard to put into words the effort and dedication that Rachel conducted that evening. Working into the early hours, she doubted herself several times to be able to complete the works, but her commitment to support the family was her main driver.

“She spent time with the family talking them through everything and at their request, stayed with them during their visit.

She also helped make it possible to provide two hand castings , locating a suitable presentation box for the family. Rachel achieved all of this whilst she was scheduled to be on annual leave.”

In addition, Rachel continually supports colleagues and often completes activities over and above her role including; visiting funeral homes to educate on benefits of embalming and how to discuss it with families, delivering training sessions for multiple care centre colleagues along with training and mentoring a trainee embalmer.

She also hosts a podcast, The Eternal Debate, linked to her excellent embalming knowledge.

Rachel has won experience vouchers and was invited to a virtual afternoon tea hosted by the Co-op’s Chief Executive Steve Murrells.