I work in a job that no one wants besides my mom, it’s not for everyone but I love it

THEY say you should never work with animals, children or family.

But for 26-year-old Chloe Ellwood, a job in funeral services with her mother Sharon was the best choice she could have made.

Helping people cope with death and choosing coffins may not appeal to everyone, but the mother and daughter duo insist it is one of the most rewarding jobs.

Chloe, from Bispham, Lancashire, and Sharon, aged 50, have been working together as part of Co-op’s Funeral Service Crew for just under a year and are still described by colleagues as “two peas in a pod”.

Sharon started working in funeral services in 2019, having previously worked in the adult and social care sector. She described the step as “taking the next step in the phases of care delivery.”

And soon after, her daughter Chloe joined her – after keeping her application a secret.

Chloe said: “I used to work in a veterinary practice, but when the opportunity in funeral services arose I knew I had to take it.

“A rewarding job is important to me – and after seeing how rewarding it was to help my mother every day helping families say their final goodbyes to their loved ones, I knew this was the perfect next step for me.

“I helped at my grandmother’s funeral when she died and experienced firsthand the dedication it takes to care for the deceased.”

Chloe applied for the position without naming or telling her mother, and only once she had secured the job did she inform Sharon that she would be joining her at Bispham funeral home.

She said: “I wanted to show that I was serious about joining the team and that I didn’t expect to be treated differently because I was family.”

And mum Sharon couldn’t have been happier, as she added: “I was thrilled when I heard Chloe would be coming with me!

“I knew she was the perfect addition to the team and would fit seamlessly into such a sensitive job that requires you to be so compassionate and patient – ​​that’s just Chloe!”

But there is one rule that Chloe strictly follows to ensure their relationship remains professional.

“I don’t get any special treatment because she’s my mother – I even call her Sharon, which was strange at first,” she revealed.

Sharon added: “Although families have given us lovely feedback if they suspect we are related.

“They are often comforted to know that their loved one is being cared for by a team with such a close bond.

“Chloe is a lot like me and that’s why we work so well together. We have the same work ethic, so make sure everything is done correctly, without having to wait.

“It has now reached the point where we no longer have to communicate verbally, but know at a glance what each other thinks and wants!”

While working with a family member may not be for everyone, in Sharon and Chloe’s case it has actually strengthened their bond.

Sharon notes: “She was a dream growing up – she never reciprocated or disrespected me, and our relationship has only grown stronger in the time we’ve worked together.

“Even though she no longer lives at home, working together has allowed us to maintain the close relationship we have and help each other grow as people.

“I think a lot of people would expect us to get tired of each other, but the balance between professional and personal life has made us best friends.”

And while she admits that funeral services may not be everyone’s first choice, Sharon was delighted with Chloe’s decision to join her in the industry.

She said: “Every parent takes pride in seeing their child succeed in a career that makes them happy, especially if they follow in their own footsteps.

“I may be biased, but Chloe does a great job and has continued to improve since she joined me in funeral services.

“It’s certainly not a job for everyone, but Chloe and I think it’s really worth it and are grateful that it has brought us even closer together.”