Family of Sheffield grandfather found dead start petition calling for more guests at funerals

Peter Percival failed to return to his home in Rivelin Valley after heading out for a walk on Thursday evening (July 16). South Yorkshire Police found a body in their search for him shortly after 11am the following day.

"While formal identification is yet to take place, we do believe it to be that of Peter,” a police spokesperson said. Now Peter’s family have launched a petition to lift restrictions on the number of people allowed to attend funeral services.

Government advice states “a modest number of close friends and family of the deceased” may attend services.

The petition, started by Peter’s stepdaughter Ellen Beedle, reads: “Deciding who can go and who cannot go is adding yet more heartache and conflict for families who are going through this difficult time.

"Please respect and understand those that come from large families aren’t getting the goodbye and closure they need. A gathering outside whilst maintaining a safe social distance should be allowed at the very least.”

It continued: “Everybody deserves the chance to say a proper goodbye to somebody they love. I want my stepfather to have the proper funeral he deserves with everyone who loved and care about him to attend.”

Sheffield Council this week increased the number of mourners allowed to attend funerals in the city to 25. Some chapels also offer a free webcast service.

You can sign the petition here.