A FAMILY are warning others to talk about how they will pay for the funeral before a loved one dies, after the death of a Chippenham man has left them needing to find £2,000.

Chad Morris died on March 29, aged 62, after years of battling health problems and had wanted his body donated to medical science.

But, because of an autopsy Mr Morris’ body can no longer be given to the University of Bristol. That has left his family needing to find money to pay for his funeral because he did not leave money for the ceremony, believing one would not be held.

His family were shocked to discover that the cheapest possible cremation ceremony, known as a direct funeral, would cost £2,000.

Rebecca Beach, Mr Morris’ oldest daughter, said: “What I would like to try and get out to people that might be in the same position is to think seriously and make a provision so their children don’t have to go through this.

“There’s enough there to deal with without having to find money for a funeral.

“It’s not an easy subject to broach and no one wants to talk about it but it’s far worse if you don’t.”

Mr Morris, of Pipsmore Road, had previously worked as a caretaker at Ivy Lane Primary School in the late 1980s and early 1990s.

He developed an arterial disease in 2007 and had to have one of his legs removed as well as battling other health problems over the years.

After visiting his doctor on March 28 with stomach pains he was advised to go to hospital, but refused.

He died the following day, and an autopsy found his death was as a result of a bleed in the upper gastrointestinal tract due to a gastric ulceration caused by chronic alcohol misuse.

“His health problems were due to many years of substance abuse, ideally you would have thought someone in that position would have made their provisions for a funeral,” said Mrs Beach.

“When I spoke to the coroner, they said if he had had cancer for a few years and they knew that was a very good chance that’s what he died of then they wouldn’t have done the autopsy.

“But because he had these different issues and he only went to the doctor the day before as well, they had to.”

Mrs Beach, along with her two sisters, Leanne and Joanne, have now set up a fundraising page to pay for the funeral.

Realising Mr Morris’ friends may want to mark his death but will be unable to do so at a funeral service, the family have organised a wake which will take place at the Old Road Tavern from 4pm on April 12.

To make a donation, visit https://www.gofundme.com/k95wu3-chads-funeral-costs.