Corby woman left in funeral parlour will finally be laid to rest thanks to YOU

Keith Hutchings and his mum Annette, just before she died.

Two weeks ago we reportedon the sad tale of Annette Hutchings, whose family had to leave her body in a funeral parlour because they couldn’t afford to lay her to rest.

But generous Corby folk rallied around and raised the money needed in no time at all.

Now her funeral will take place on Tuesday and her grateful family have invited everyone who donated to come along.

Keith Hutchings, who has thanked local people for helping to pay for his mum's funeral.

Annette, from Little Stanion, died of a brain tumour aged just 57.

Her son Keith was her carer and was told that he would be eligible for a Government grant to help pay the funeral costs. But when that offer was withdrawn, he was forced to leave his mum’s body in the funeral parlour for more than six weeks because he couldn’t scrape together enough money to pay for the service.

He also faces losing the home he shared with his beloved mum.

But after we reported the story, which was shared hundreds of times on our Facebook page, people rushed to donate to an online donation site set up by Keith’s sister. Now £2,670 has been raised which will cover the cost of the funeral Annette deserved.

There were also many offers of help from other funeral homes and from people willing to do the service for free.

Keith, 25, said: “We decided that although a lot of kind offers came forward, we had reached enough in the donations to keep to our original plan with Margaret Rose Funerals.

“It saved disturbing mum’s body to move her and I felt it would be taking advantage of the kindness shown to accept a funeral at discount cost.

“I hope it’s a memorable day and that people who donated, whether I knew them or not, can show their face so I can personally thank as many as I can.

“It feels such a weight off my shoulders and I can now focus on my housing issue.

“I also plan to start training for next summer to run a marathon and raise money for charity as a way of repayment to give back for those that have helped me.

“I also will be in a better position to put money into that cause myself.

“My love to all the beautiful hearts who reached out.”

The funeral will take place on Monday, June 13, at 12noon at Kettering Crematorium.

It will be followed by a wake at the Hazel Tree pub in Greenhill Rise, Corby, at 1.30pm.

Keith, who works for Staples, added: “I have asked those I know to come in some colour as mum was a bright colourful character and I know she would want to see us in the same way when we show our respects.”