The family of a crash victim have slammed a funeral company for refusing their ‘cops and robbers’ themed service.
Relatives of Daniel McGrath say they feel “disgusted” by the way his funeral was handled following his death last month.
The 34-year-old was rushed to hospital on April 12 after crashing his motorbike into a concrete barrier on St Peter’s Way in Bolton.
He suffered multiple injuries, including a serious head injury, which led to him being sedated a few days later.
Sadly, he developed a blood clot which caused a stroke and subsequent brain damage.
Daniel passed away on April 18. He leaves behind two young children.
Described as the prankster of the family, Daniel loved nothing more than playing jokes on those close to him.
His relatives say he “always had a smile on his face” while his laughter would “warm up your soul”.
Wanting to celebrate his fun-loving nature, Daniel’s family contacted Co-op Funeralcare and asked for a fancy-dress themed funeral.
They claim the cops and robbers funeral theme was agreed and they set a date for the service.
But a week before the funeral was set to take place, the family say they were told the theme could no longer go ahead.
Speaking to the Manchester Evening News, Daniel’s sister, Kelly McGrath, 36, said: “They weren’t giving us a reason and there was no time to go anywhere else.
“We felt trapped.
“We’re very conscious of the trauma my brother went through and we don’t want him being messed about anymore.
“Unfortunately, the head office is letting their own staff down as well as our family.
“He was a prankster and liked making people laugh and making his kids laugh, so it doesn’t come across as morbid.”
Daniel’s funeral, without a theme, took place on Monday (May 17).
Daniel had lived in Blackley at the time of his death and was father to Jayden, 12, and Imogen, seven.
His family say he loved life and tried to never worry about anything.
In a moving tribute, Daniel’s family said: “Daniel was a loving son, protective brother, caring partner to Taliah and doting dad to Jayden and Imogen.
“Daniel would light up a room just by walking into it.
“He always had a smile on his face and loved playing practical jokes on his friends and family.
“His laughter would just warm your soul.
“Daniel was the joy and light of the family.
“We miss him greatly and don’t know how we will carry on without him now the light has gone.”
Daniel's family claim his body was also moved to another room within the Chapel of Rest due to another funeral taking place.
They say this restricted their visiting times.
A Co-op Funeralcare spokesperson, said: “Daniel has been treated with the highest standards of care, dignity, and respect while he has been resting with us and the family have been free to visit at any time.
“We will always do everything in our power to make a funeral as special, unique, and as fitting as possible and supporting bereaved families to arrange a unique final farewell to represent the life of their loved one is at the heart of what we do.
“However, colleagues were being asked to wear a balaclava and take part in an ‘arrest’ scene as part of the send-off, which Co-op considered to be inappropriate and a safety risk.
“Colleague safety is a priority and discussions with the family were heated. They were therefore advised to consider choosing another provider, who would be prepared to deliver their requests.”
Daniel's family say they did ask staff to wear a balaclava during the service but did not want anyone to be arrested.
