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Father Philip Blackledge is the Rector of the Holy Trinity Church, Melrose, in the Scottish Borders.  During the pandemic, he has been the person who's gone into the local hospital when COVID-19 patients want someone to sit with them, or need a priest at the end of life.  Philip says that during lockdown technology has provided an absolutely essential bridge, between the dying and the loved ones they leave behind. 

Zainab Gulamali is the Public Affairs Manager at the Muslim Council of Britain.  During the pandemic she has for the first time attended online funerals and memorials.  She explains how Mosques are using social media platforms to live stream funerals.  Zainab explains why she thinks online funerals and memorials are a more raw and real experience. 

Francina Hyatt is a senior lecturer at Kingston University in London, and a nurse practitioner.  During the pandemic Francina and her twin's parent's caught COVID-19.  Francina and her twin moved into their parent's home just before lockdown to provide end of life care after her parent's with underlying health issues caught COVID-19.  As well as nursing them Francina had to help facilitate calls and facetime between her parents and other family members.  Francina and her twin balanced both of their roles with dignity and respect. 

Jay McGregor is a 22 years old and produces and presents podcasts and radio shows.  After her father, Jason Weatherman, professionally known by his music fans as Mr Fox, passed away during the COVID-19 pandemic Jay, her family and her dad’s friends decided to take the customary Nine Nights celebration online.  25,000 joined the live stream to remember and honour her dad. 

Dr John Troyer is the Director for the Centre of Death and Society at the University of Bath.  Before becoming a Death Studies researcher he was already familiar with death and dying because his father ran a funeral parlour.  He lost his sister to cancer in 2018 and has watched the many different ways people cope with end of life and grief.  His most recent publication is ‘Technologies of the Human Corpse’ which explores the relationship of the dead body with technology through history.