Funeral in St Helens to say farewell to Bate & Holland co-founder Mel

Melanie ‘Mel’ Holland, co-founder of Bate & Holland Funeral Directors, sadly died aged 52 on Sunday, April 28, following a courageous battle with terminal cancer.

Mel, who was from Blackbrook, launched the business in 2017 with cousin Mandy Bate in 2017, having previously worked in palliative care.

Originally based on Duke Street, the funeral directors has a base on Prescot Road and supports bereaved families across St Helens and beyond.

READ > Family can't thank everyone enough as crowds celebrate life of mum

Mel, a much-loved mum, nanny, wife, daughter, cousin and friend to many, was described as someone who “everybody in St Helens” knows and a “big “personality”.

When a post announcing the sad news of Mel’s passing was posted on Bate & Holland’s social media pages it amassed around 17,500 views that day, reflecting how well-known she was around the town.

Mel continued working following her diagnosis four years ago, in typically stoic fashion, providing help for families going through the difficulties of bereavement.

'Mel put everybody before herself'

“She was so thoughtful,” said Mandy.

“Mel had treatment at the Lilac Centre and did fundraising for them, and shaved her head for charity.

“She put everybody before herself and did Christmas services for families who have lost somebody. She used to love dong them and giving back to the community.

“She made all of our lads (at Bate & Holland) go on Suicide Awareness courses, we were dealing with a lot. She was very thoughtful.”

Mel Holland (Image: Submitted)

Those Mel leaves behind also include son Tom, husband Graham, granddaughter Gracey-May, and parents Mick and Elaine.

“She loved the community of St Helens and loved working in St Helens and helping families in the darkest hour,” added Mandy.

“She loved her family, she loved her friends, she loved her life and it’s just so sad that now she has gone.

“She was just a diamond. You could even go on holiday and meet someone who knew her.

“She will leave a massive hole with everybody.”

Mel Holland (Image: Submitted)

Bate & Holland will continue Mel’s legacy, working to support families across the area.

“She always said ‘just crack on cock’, that was her motto, and we are. We are just cracking on.”

Huge turnout expected for funeral

Mel’s funeral is due to take place today, Wednesday, May 15, with a service at St Mary’s Church, in Blackbrook, before going to St Helens Crematorium.

The family say they are expecting a huge turnout for what is expected be the “biggest” funeral party seen at the Crematorium.

It is hoped the occasion will be a fitting send-off and the “party” Mel always wanted.

Her pink glitter disco coffin to be pulled by a horse-drawn hearse for her final journey.

The church service starts at 10am, before moving on to the Crematorium for 11.30am.