We often get asked the question 'How do you do your job?' and an honest funeral director will openly tell you that we learn to switch off our emotions and in some way detach ourselves from the work we do. This is not because we don't care but because of the upset and pain, we surround ourselves with on a daily basis.

However, on occasions that is easier said than done!

We recently cared for and conducted the funeral of Mario Mc Donnell, an 11-year-old little boy who was cruelly taken far far too soon. Mario was a son, little brother, grandson, family member and friend to many. Mario had just left St Herberts RC Primary school and was set to join friends at Newman College, a keen footballer playing for local side Chadderton Park FC and a talented swimmer.

When we first met Mario's mum and dad at Wild & Brierley we could see the pain in their eyes and instantly felt their suffering. No parent should ever have to lay their children to rest. Mario's mum and dad had questions as any family would. During these conversations mum showed us a photograph of Mario, posing proudly in his Chadderton Park football kit.... at that point our eyes started to fill up as reality hit, wondering what life was really all about and why it could be so cruel.

Mario's mum and dad were kind, generous, loving, and appreciative every step of the very difficult process and at a time when no one would have blamed them for not being. It wasn't long until we all grew attached to this loving family.

As a family and team, we sat down together and decided we wanted to help leave a legacy for Mario and do something special for his family.

So........

We have managed to source a Manchester City treble winning shirt signed by not only a treble winner but also a World Cup winner....... Julien Alvarez!!!!!

The shirt has been professionally framed by Autograph Art who works closely with Manchester City and their players and comes with an authenticity certificate.

One lucky winner will receive this shirt!!!!

It doesn't stop there though, our good friends at Prints of Tales (memorial jewellery) and Buddies Florist have also donated vouchers for second and third prizes respectively.

A donation of £10.00 will need to be made via this JustGiving page for you to be in with a chance of winning one of the prizes.

All the money raised through this JustGiving page will be donated to STAMMA in Mario's memory. STAMMA is a charity close to the hearts of Mario's family.

STAMMA are committed to tackling public perceptions of what it means to stammer and remove the shame, stigma, intolerance and misunderstanding experienced by people who stammer. Through our website (stamma.org), Helpline (0808 802 0002 open Monday - Thursday 10am-2pm and 4pm-8pm) and support of local meetup and self-help groups, we provide information and assistance to people who stammer as well as those close to them. Join us - stamma.org