Funerals
A meaningful farewell that truly reflects the life they lived
I have a real passion for crafting an individual ceremony for each family to ensure that they feel that their loved one has been celebrated in a way that reflects the life they led and the character that they were. I have attended many funerals which have been bland, and do not reflect the person that has passed. In my lifetime, I need to ensure that no one experiences a poorly run funeral service. I'll work very hard to get this right for you and your family.
We begin with an unhurried conversation, usually in your own home and at whatever pace feels manageable. I listen — to the stories, the humour, the difficult parts too — and from that I write a tribute that sounds like the person you have lost rather than a script with a name dropped into it.
Everything is your choice: hymns or a favourite song, a poem or a grandchild's letter, prayer or none at all, a crematorium, a graveside, a village hall or a garden. I'll work directly with your funeral director so the arrangements sit with me, not with you.
Kind Words From Families
“The main reason for getting in touch is to express my heartfelt thanks for the part you played in my mother's funeral. From the initial contact I was confident that you were the right person to assist us and, as things turned out, I was not wrong. In the period leading up to the funeral your advice and assistance was professional yet considered, sensitive and helpful. Aspects such as Facetime discussions also enabled my brother and sister to be involved in the planning, overcoming the problem of us all living remotely from one another. We certainly benefitted from your involvement. Although you never met my mother, I was impressed by your real interest in getting a good feel for the life, character and personality of the person whose life we were to celebrate. I was particularly keen that the funeral should be one of celebratory reflection rather than mournful and that is exactly how I feel it turned out. Engaging the services of a 'celebrant' immediately placed this emphasis on the proceedings but it was your particular approach and personality that made this celebratory emphasis possible.”
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My Sister Julie
This is my beautiful sister, Julie, who died at the age of 46. After sitting through her funeral I decided from that moment, I needed to do something so that nobody else experienced what we did as a family. Let me tell you why...
The humanist that was chosen (not by us) for the service was unwashed, scruffy and did not understand Julie at all. Julie was one of the Directors for the NHS and she was immaculate. Her sense of style is something that stuck with people as well as her incredible smile that lit up every room she walked into. Before she died, she even sent out an email to all of her colleagues telling them to dress smartly for her funeral or don't bother coming at all! I worked with Julie before she died to put together a funeral that she had orchestrated. Neither Julie nor I had any control over one element of the funeral which was at the crematorium and therefore the humanist, however, the church ceremony was all Julie's doing. We even had bell ringers which was unheard of for a funeral, but it was what Julie wanted, so Dad and I made sure of it!
Julie would have torn a strip off the humanist who rocked up looking such a mess and for reading a script that was generic and impersonal. It was so disrespectful and I am still hurt by it to this day. Julie deserved so much more than this. Based on my experience at the crematorium, it is extremely important to me that the people I work with are left with a sense of closure as well as a sense of celebration of someone's life.
So, one day, I quit my job of 18 years with no job to go to, I retrained with The International College of Professional Celebrants, and I have never looked back once. I miss Julie every single day and through my work, I feel like I can honour her by ensuring that other families and those who have passed away are treated with the respect and dignity they deserve. This is hands down the best job I have ever had.
My Husband Kris
This is my husband Kris who died by suicide at the age of 34. At the time of his death, our two girls were 7 and 4 years old. His death at such a young age and at such an important time in our lives was devastating, and we will forever feel the impact of his loss.
Because of my personal experience with such a challenging and difficult time in our lives, I feel that I can empathise and understand what families are going through when a sudden death such as suicide happens. I'm currently studying to be a grief coach alongside my other work so that I can be more skilled in how I approach delicate situations such as this. Please be assured that I understand the emotions that you are going through at such a difficult time. I will never claim to know how you feel as that's just not possible and also disrespectful to your memory of your loved one that has passed away under such difficult circumstances. But what I can do is stand beside you and help you create a fitting tribute to your loved one that feels just right for your situation.
