Introducing Alfie Darley
Alfie first joined the business during Covid, after finishing his GCSEs. Initially helping with general tasks and care of the people entrusted to us, as well as being a member of the family he quickly became a valued member of the team.
He went on to study A-Levels at Huntington School, with a long term plan of going to university and pursuing a career in astrophysics... a slightly different future from the one he has now! Alfie continued working with us alongside his studies, when the time came to make a decision about university, he chose instead to join the family business instead. It didn’t take long for us to realise he was made for this profession.
Alfie has been an integral part of our family business full time since September 2022, completing his apprenticeship in April 2024 at just 19 years old. Since then he has looked after many of our families from the first call through to the funeral itself. Bringing the calm, caring and reassuring manner that comes so naturally to him.
Born and raised locally, Alfie has also become a well known face around Huntington, although not always through work! He can often be found at Huntington WMC or New Earswick Bowls Club, escorting our gran to bingo.
Now an experienced Funeral Director, Alfie plays an important role in our business. We’re incredibly proud to have watched him grow from the teenager who came in to lend a hand during Covid into the compassionate and capable Funeral Director he is today. Thankfully for us, astrophysics’ loss was very much our gain.
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How It Began
Hayley's Story
I was first introduced to the funeral profession in 2005, spending 2 weeks with York Co-op on a work experience placement arranged by Huntington School. By the end of the placement I was in awe of the amazing people I had spent time with and I walked away knowing that I would return as soon as I was old enough to be taken seriously.
I was fortunate enough to begin an administration role 3 years later, and within 6 months I began a Trainee Funeral Director & Mortuary Assistant role in which I qualified in 2011 with a Level 4 Professional Diploma in Funeral Directing & Management. I later went on to become an internal assessor helping my friends and colleagues to achieve their qualifications too.
In 2013 I moved to Staffordshire to be with my now husband, Spence and his two daughters, Katie & Holly, where I spent 5 years managing various funeral homes across Staffordshire & Cheshire.
With a wealth of experience & knowledge I decided to return to my beloved city, the friends and peers that I came to value so much, and start the next chapter of my story.
I believe that every funeral should be as unique as the life we are remembering, and that doesn't have to cost the earth. From a small gesture to specialised vehicles or a change to our usual formalwear, I am more than happy to discuss any ideas or requests you may have.
Our funeral home is cosy and a tea or coffee is always only a few minutes away, alternatively I'm more than happy to come to you in the comfort of your own home.
Your loved ones funeral, your way.
Hayley Spencer
So Why Darley Funeral Directors?
Joyce & Barry Darley are my gran and grandad and have lived in Huntington & New Earswick for over 50 years.
They have 2 sons Kevin & David, and 1 daughter, Julie, who is my mum.
My family are my world, and have supported me through thick and thin. From my first thoughts of opening my own funeral home there was never a doubt that the Darley name would be above the door.
You may find my mum, gran, auntie or step mum on the reception desk, my grandad tending to the hanging baskets or the odd plumbing failure. My dad, brothers, uncles and cousins will lead the team of bearers on the day of the funeral. We are a family firm and there is no other group of people I would rather have by my side.
