For many supporters, football is more than just a game but rather a lifelong passion that shapes friendships, family traditions and treasured memories. In light of this, Derbyshire funeral director M.A. Mills Funeral Service has launched a Derby County themed hearse in response to increasing requests from the families it has supported.
On 27 August, lifelong Derby County fan, Peter Noon from Cotmanhay, was the first person to be able to ‘say goodbye’ in his team colours.
“Noony was what we called him,” said Olive Noon, speaking about her husband’s final send off. “Everything about the day was perfect. M.A. Mills were fantastic and really put us at ease. Peter was a keen Derby County follower from the age of five, his father used to take him, and he then took our children so it really meant a lot that we were able to give him a send-off fitting for his love of the game.”
M.A. Mills, which has offices in Cotmanhay and Allenton, says families are increasingly choosing to reflect a passion for the game when saying their final goodbye to loved ones which is why it has invested in a new Derby County themed fleet to ensure it can accommodate more personal requests. From simple touches to elaborate tributes, football can be incorporated into funerals in many ways. Families may choose to place a favourite team’s scarf or colours on the coffin, bearers wear ties in club colours or arrange for the funeral cortege to pass by a loved one’s home ground on their final journey.
General Manager and Funeral Director at M.A. Mills, Julia Carty, says these personal tributes can bring both comfort and warmth to what is often a very difficult day. “Football is woven into the identity of so many people across our region. For some families, it feels only right that their loved one’s final journey reflects the team they followed – sometimes for decades or a lifetime. “We are proud to have been able to support Mrs Noon to arrange the perfect goodbye for Mr Noon in his team colours. We know he was a keen follower of the Rams so being able to do something so meaningful for the family is a huge privilege.”
In addition to the themed hearse, having a personalised number plate as part of the funeral procession is something M.A. Mills offers as part of the football funeral package and Olive chose ‘Noony’ to help remember Peter, who was 83 when he died. The number plate now sits proudly in their son’s garden. Julia added: “It’s the little details that matter and sometimes the most touching moment is simply seeing everybody wear an item of clothing – socks, tie, hat – in that team’s colours or hearing the family talk about the matches they attended together.”
