DANIEL Robinson & Sons, independent family funeral directors, are delighted and very proud to announce that Funeral Director, Tom Riches, has been awarded the 2025 Matthew Gallagher Award, by the Independent Funeral Directors’ (IFD) College.

Nominees for the Award were required show that they have exceptional ability, have used their IFD College training in a positive way, have risen to a challenge, or are considered to be worthy in some other way. 

The award is named after inspirational funeral director Matthew Gallagher, who served as a college governor, assessor and verifier. Matthew had a unique ability to encourage and find something good in every student’s work, and this award is presented in his memory to a student who has overcome challenges to complete IFD College certificated units.

Tom’s achievement was announced at the IFD’s 3oth Anniversary Awards Ceremony & Lunch on Saturday 10th May. 

On winning the Award Tom said, `Well, what a whirlwind 4 years it has been since I joined the Daniel Robinson & Sons family. From my very first meeting with M.D., Gary Neill, I have always been supported and encouraged to fulfil my full potential within the company, and this included my enrolment into the IFD College, where I have been able to gain exceptional knowledge within the profession, and qualifications which not only keep me up to date with the ever changing regulations Funeral Directors are facing at the moment, but also shows families that are entrusting me to look after their loved ones, and that I have been trained to the highest standard. It was a great surprise, but also a great honour to be taking the Matthew Gallagher award back with me, it has taken pride of place in my reception at Old Harlow for everyone to see who visits our funeral home’. 

Tom is shown being presented with the award by Brian Hart of SAIFInsure (sponsors of the Awards) and Chair of the IFD, Sean Martin.