Cara Mair is founder of ARKA Original Funerals and our main funeral director and consultant. She has experience in all aspects of the funeral profession and is there to offer a fully participative funeral service where the bereaved can truly be as involved in all aspects of the arranging, preparation and ceremony as they might wish.

Cara is also available as a consultant to help families and friends who wish to carry out all aspects of the funeral themselves, and simply need advice or support.

Sarah Clarke-Kent is one of our key funeral directors, works closely alongside Cara as our Business Manager, and supports the team in the operational work of ARKA. Sarah has a background in social care and human resources. She was awarded Funeral Director of the Year in 2014 from the national Good Funeral Guide Awards.

Hannah Bywaters Hannah has worked for us since 2016 as an Assistant Funeral Director, supporting Cara and Sarah practically in all aspects of our work from Islingword Road. As Hannah’s experience grows she now also works occasionally as a Funeral Director and Funeral Arranger and is an integral and very valued member of our team.

B has worked for us since 2020, B’s name is really Hannah but known to us as B. She is working as a funeral assistant and in that role supports us in all practical areas of our work. She comes from a background in social care and the arts. We are enjoying having someone so creative and resourceful as part of Arka.

We are very lucky to have been joined by Tracy O’Rourke-Burr, she comes to us from a long career in social care and housing management and is supporting us with our office and project management. She is wonderfully organised and is helping us stay on track with various developments as well as the day to day administration.

We have been joined by Li Mills as a part time Funeral Arranger, you will also see her as one of our recommended celebrants. Li brings an array of experience with her work as a death doula, and is incredibly well organised, welcome to the team Li! You will mainly see Li at our Surrey Street office.

Hein Tang and Rob Pelling two wonderful gentlemen who work with us in supporting families. You may see them at funerals or gently supporting us to collect people out of hours. We value them highly.