Abbie Bunn
Funeral Services Team Member
I began my career in the funeral industry in Australia, joining Invocare in 2024, where I quickly discovered a genuine passion for the profession. Supporting families during some of the most difficult moments of their lives has been incredibly meaningful, and it’s a field I’ve been committed to ever since. After returning to the UK in May 2025, I continued my journey with Viner and Sons, where I thrive on helping others and find the role deeply rewarding. Outside of work, I’m a full-time mum to my young daughter. We enjoy spending our free time together on days out at the park and doing plenty of arts and crafts.
Carl Philpott
Funeral Services Team Member
Carl envisions no other career for himself than being at Viner & Sons. His dedication to continuous learning and improvement is matched by his passion for providing exceptional care to families and their loved ones, ensuring they receive the support they deserve during challenging times.
Before joining Viner & Sons, Carl spent nearly 23 years working in mail order sales for historical motorsport car parts and tools. Outside of work, Carl enjoys spending quality time with his family and socialising with friends. He also has a strong passion for football. Married to Anna since 2015, Carl is a devoted father to their two wonderful children.
Debbie Fortune
Funeral Arranger
I entered the funeral industry in 2018, inspired by a personal experience. After my mum passed away from cancer, I felt a strong desire to give back, as I knew she had been treated with the utmost respect and care by the funeral home. From the moment I started my first role in a funeral home, I knew I had found my calling and dedicated myself fully to this work. Later, during the first wave of COVID-19, my dad passed away. Once again, the funeral home staff treated him with great care and respect. These experiences reinforced my commitment to providing that same level of care and respect to the families and loved ones who come into my care. For me, it is an honour and a privilege to support families during such difficult times.
On a personal note, I have been married to my amazing husband for 34 years. We have four wonderful grown children and two perfect grandchildren, who are the light of my life. They truly mean the world to me!
Harry Nelson
Funeral Director
Harry has been in the funeral industry for 6 years and has done everything from arranging funerals to being a funeral team member. He is now a funeral director and has been for the past 2 years. He is passionate about helping families through the toughest period in their lives.
Jamie King
Funeral Director
Jamie is a dedicated funeral director who brings care and attention to every family he supports.
He takes pride in guiding people through the arrangements with compassion, ensuring each service reflects the wishes of the family and honours the memory of their loved one.
Jo Mears
Funeral Arranger
Jo has played a vital role in the funeral industry since 2020, drawing on a lifetime of experience and understanding from growing up in her family’s funeral business. After experiencing the profound loss of both her mother and grandmother within two weeks, Jo felt compelled to utilise her outstanding people skills in the funeral service. This personal journey enhanced her empathy and commitment to guiding families through their most vulnerable times. Jo finds true meaning in her work, considering it a privilege to support those who are grieving, and she feels deeply enriched by the stories shared about loved ones who have passed.
As a single mother of three grown children, all of whom she adores, Jo gracefully balances her professional and personal roles. She values spending quality time with her family and friends, participating in social activities, and taking relaxing walks with her beloved pug. Jo’s dedication to her role and her natural ability to connect with people make her a compassionate and indispensable member of our team.
Katie Didcock
Funeral Arranger
Katie Didcock spent the last decade building and running a successful laundry and ironing service for customers in and around Ashford. After the unexpected loss of her husband during COVID-19, Katie sought a career change, driven by a desire to help and support families during their most difficult times, making the process as smooth as possible for them.
Katie has three older children with whom she loves spending quality time, and a chihuahua that is always eager for cuddles. She enjoys traveling and dreams of exploring more of the world. Katie’s compassionate nature and personal experiences make her a dedicated and empathetic funeral arranger, committed to providing exceptional care and support to the families she serves.
Lana Wilson-Agate
Funeral Arranger and Funeral Director
Lana Wilson-Agate joined Viner & Sons in June 2022, bringing a unique and valuable perspective from her previous career in mechanics. The profound personal losses of family members in recent years inspired Lana to change her career path, leading her to discover a deep passion for ensuring that each person’s final journey is both memorable and respectful. Her meticulous attention to detail and commitment to honouring the deceased have quickly made her an indispensable member of our team.
Lana lives with her wife, their beautiful daughter and their beloved chihuahua. In her free time, she enjoys traveling, go-karting, and spending quality moments with friends and family. Lana’s diverse interests and compassionate nature enrich her role at Viner & Sons, where she is dedicated to providing exceptional care and support to the families we serve.
Lucie Holness
Funeral Services Team Member
Lucie brings a caring presence to the team, always ready to listen and help families feel supported, taking pride in ensuring that every detail is handled with respect.
Robyn Ledger
Retail Associate
Robyn is the retail associate for Viner & Sons
Steve Nelligan
Funeral Director
Steve has almost 30 years’ experience in the funeral profession, having started his career as a YTS apprentice with Pickard & Beale in 1998. During his career, he has worked as an Operative, Funeral Director, Diary Coordinator and Manager. He is passionate about looking after people in their time of need, caring not only for their loved one but also for their family and friends. Steve particularly enjoys funeral directing, helping to ensure the final journey goes as smoothly as possible and taking some of the worry away from families. Outside of work, he enjoys spending time with his family, taking long weekends away in the UK and abroad, and running with his local running group, from 5Ks to very long distances.
