Only Fools and Horses funeral for TV show fan, 40, who died suddenly

Peter James Bundy, who died suddenly aged 40 while out for a run, was a lifelong fan of the series starring Sir David Jason and Nicholas Lyndhurst.

His wife Suzanne, 38, worked with the funeral director at Co-op Funeralcare in Hedge End to give him the goodbye he would have wanted.

Peter’s coffin was transported through the town in a yellow hearse fashioned as Trotter’s Independent Traders’ Reliant Regal.

Peter’s coffin in a yellow hearse fashioned as Trotter’s Independent Traders’ Reliant Regal (Image: Submitted)

Cancer nurse Suzanne said: “Only Fools and Horses played such a big part in Peter’s life.

“It was his stag-do’s theme, and the house was filled with memorabilia – in fact, we would have had the Reliant Regal as our wedding car if it was available at the time, so it only felt fitting for his last journey to be in it instead.

“I’m so grateful to the team at Co-op Funeralcare Hedge End for not only helping organise something so special, but for the support they gave myself and the rest of the family throughout the planning process and the ceremony.

“The day was exactly how I imagined it and I just know that Peter would have loved it too.”

Peter collected memorabilia from the show and displayed it around his home (Image: Submitted)

A keen adventurer, Peter - who worked in data management - had set his sights on exploring 40 countries before his 40th birthday. He made it to Montenegro, the Dominican Republic, Italy, Morocco, Barbados, Norway and many others.

But unfortunately the Covid pandemic disrupted his plans.

He died after falling ill while out running in a park on June 21 before achieving his goal.

To honour his memory, Suzanne said she intends to travel with his ashes to Jersey and Guernsey, taking him on one final journey.

Grace Best, funeral director at the Co-op Funeralcare Hedge End branch, said: “When I heard about Peter’s love for Only Fools and Horses, I just knew we had to get the Reliant Regal involved.

“It was so rewarding to be able to help Peter’s family give him the funeral he deserved and would have wanted himself, that was personal to them.

“Non-traditional funerals are becoming increasingly popular as many realise that a personalised ceremony is such a great way to say goodbye to loved ones and feel connected to them.

"Opting for something a little different can help ease the daunting atmosphere often linked with the occasion, making it less intimidating and helping many in their grieving journey.

“Peter’s funeral exemplified this perfectly, a true reflection of his character and sense of humour which helped put a smile on people’s faces as they said their goodbyes."