Shaun Tookey, a 31-year-old tree surgeon from Harlow, Essex, has carved an unconventional path to homeownership through a unique side hustle: grave cleaning. What began in May 2023 as a supplementary income stream has blossomed into a thriving small business, allowing Tookey to achieve the dream of providing a home for his family. His services, which range from basic cleaning to comprehensive restoration including repainting and decorative chippings, cater to families seeking to maintain the resting places of their loved ones. Charging between $187 and $562 per grave, depending on the extent of the work required, Tookey has meticulously cleaned over 300 graves, transforming weathered and neglected headstones into pristine memorials. This meticulous work, often performed on his days off and weekends, has not only provided financial stability but also a deep sense of fulfillment in helping others.
Tookey’s dedication to his craft is evident in the time and effort he invests in each grave. A single cleaning can take anywhere from 30 minutes for a standard headstone to several hours for larger, more elaborate monuments. He meticulously assesses the condition of each grave, considering the type of lettering, the material of the headstone, and the specific requests of the families. This personalized approach ensures that each restoration honors the memory of the deceased and provides comfort to their loved ones. He offers a range of services, accommodating requests for gold leaf lettering, repainting, and adding decorative chippings, allowing families to personalize their tributes and maintain the graves in a manner that reflects their loved one’s life. His meticulous approach, coupled with his compassionate understanding of the emotional significance of his work, has resonated with clients, solidifying his reputation as a trusted and reliable grave cleaner.
The success of Tookey’s venture is largely attributed to the power of social media. Utilizing platforms like TikTok and Facebook (@thegravecleaner), he showcases before-and-after transformations of his work, allowing potential clients to witness the dramatic impact of his services. These visual testimonials have proven incredibly effective, generating significant interest and driving a steady stream of inquiries. While word-of-mouth referrals contribute to his client base, Tookey acknowledges the crucial role of social media in expanding his reach and connecting with families who might not otherwise be aware of his specialized services. His online presence not only showcases his meticulous work but also educates the public about the importance of grave maintenance and the availability of professional cleaning services.
Beyond the financial benefits, Tookey finds deep satisfaction in the rewarding nature of his work. He describes the feeling of helping others preserve the memory of their loved ones as deeply fulfilling. He recognizes that many families lack the time, knowledge, or physical ability to properly maintain gravesites, and he takes pride in providing a service that alleviates this burden. The emotional impact of his work is palpable, as he often encounters individuals in cemeteries who express gratitude for his services and acknowledge the comfort they derive from seeing their loved ones’ resting places restored to their former glory. His work not only preserves the physical integrity of the graves but also contributes to the emotional well-being of grieving families.
Tookey’s journey from a tree surgeon supplementing his income to a homeowner with a flourishing business is a testament to his hard work, dedication, and entrepreneurial spirit. His side hustle has not only provided financial security but also a profound sense of purpose. The ability to purchase a home for his family, a goal previously deemed unattainable, represents a significant milestone and underscores the transformative power of his unique venture. His story serves as an inspiration, demonstrating that fulfilling work can be found in unexpected places and that even seemingly niche services can meet a significant need within the community.
The purchase of his first family home in December 2024, after years of renting, signifies the culmination of Tookey’s hard work and dedication. He attributes this achievement directly to the financial stability provided by his grave cleaning business. The ability to provide his family with a permanent home, a place of stability and belonging, is a source of immense pride and reinforces his commitment to his unique profession. He views his work not merely as a means to an end but as a vocation that allows him to make a tangible difference in the lives of others while simultaneously securing a bright future for his own family. His story is a testament to the power of hard work, innovation, and the pursuit of a dream, however unconventional it may seem.
