A man who has suffered "a dreadful life of grief" has launched his own funeral business to help others in their time of need.

Lewis Cook Independent Funeral Home, in Borrowdale Drive, Norwich, opened Monday, February 19.

Founder Lewis Cook was introduced to the industry by his best friend's aunt and uncle after many of his family members died and he began recovering from a childhood full of trauma.

Norwich Evening News: He got into the industry after suffering an abundance of grief in his own lifeHe got into the industry after suffering an abundance of grief in his own life (Image: Lewis Cook)

Norwich Evening News: He said the work came naturally to him when he first started out cleaning funeral carsHe said the work came naturally to him when he first started out cleaning funeral cars (Image: Lewis Cook)

He explained that the spiral began when his sister died at two years old and his mother turned to alcoholism.

"My stepdad could see mum's addiction to alcohol was taking its toll and he committed suicide in Norwich in his late 40s in 2005," Mr Cook said. 

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"This news was an awful shock to us all causing us no end of grief.

"After attending his funeral at the age of 16, two weeks later our mum then died - we watched her die in hospital and saw her machine get switched off.

"Alcohol had taken her."

Norwich Evening News: His goal was to create a comfortable, safe space for people in their hour of needHis goal was to create a comfortable, safe space for people in their hour of need (Image: Lewis Cook)

Just years before, at 14, he had also lost his treasured uncle Mark to an overdose.

When he first started working in the industry, Mr Cook found it came "absolutely naturally".

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He said: "I knew exactly how to look after a bereaved family because I had experienced it myself. I have turned a dreadful life of grief into something positive being able to help others." 

Norwich Evening News: His partner Sarah and their children Fletcher, 8, and Eva-Rose, 7His partner Sarah and their children Fletcher, 8, and Eva-Rose, 7 (Image: Lewis Cook)

After working his way up from car cleaning and pallbearing and directing and managing staff he was ready to achieve his "dream" of running a firm.

Mr Cook hopes he can provide comfort to the community, minimalising their stress where possible, including by not charging extra for weekend services or out-of-hours chapel visits and providing a bespoke aftercare service.