Hi, I'm Avril
When someone experiences the death of a loved one, planning the funeral can be incredibly hard. I would like to offer my help to you and your family to deliver a personal funeral ceremony which celebrates the life of your loved one. I am here to listen, guide and help create a ceremony which pays tribute to the person who has died and is special for you. Using your memories and stories, I paint a picture of the person you remember, weaving into the ceremony music and readings chosen by you. I work closely with others who are involved in the funeral, the Funeral Director and staff at the crematorium or burial site. On the day of the funeral, I welcome you and other mourners and lead the unique, personal ceremony for your loved one.
Also, I can help plan a funeral or memorial in advance of someone's own death. Although a sensitive subject, sharing thoughts about your own funeral can be a great help and comfort, not just to you but to someone close to you who also can be involved. The discussions do not have to be morbid. Talking about your life, recalling personal stories or choosing your favourite music, can prompt happy memories and anecdotes that are family favourites! It can be very reassuring to know your wishes for your funeral are known and your family and close friends will have less to worry about when that sad day occurs.
I have long believed I have only this one life. I want to make a positive difference in this world, respecting that each person is different, with their own beliefs, views and experiences. At my father’s funeral I made a life-changing decision. Impressed by the professionalism and empathy shown by the Humanist UK Celebrant, I realised I wanted to become a Funeral Celebrant and put something back into society. In my life’s journey I am fortunate to have discovered being a Funeral Celebrant is my vocation. I feel privileged when families ask me to help them at such a difficult time. Every person has a life that has made a difference. It is humbling to listen as a family shares their personal memories of their loved one. Creating a celebration of a person’s life is something I cherish dearly.
“Avril managed to combine our mother's wishes, as well as incorporating her three different children's ideas into a very special, moving, funny, interesting 'celebration of life'. It is a huge undertaking, at a difficult time, that worked so well with her guidance and structure. She really listened to our ideas, stories, wishes - and somehow managed to weave them all into something that we will treasure forever. Thank you.”
— Name Withheld
“Avril did a brilliant job. The family were all very impressed with the way she handled the service and the tribute she paid to our mum.”
— Name Withheld
“Avril established and excellent rapport with family members. Her planning was thorough and sensitive to family needs. Very positive feedback from attendees.”
— Name Withheld
“Avril performed a great service to our family in conducting a dignified celebration of my mother’s life – exactly what Mum would have wanted in her funeral service.”
— Name Withheld
“Thank you for your work – it must have been difficult to take peoples’ memories from a discussion and convert them into a workable meaningful tribute, as you did so eloquently yesterday.”
— Name Withheld
“The family and I wish to thank you for the ceremony you conducted yesterday. The family found this far preferable in its approach compared with the usual sombre service. They would also like to thank you for all the work you put into the celebration of my mother’s life.”
— Name Withheld
Avril Lucas
Where I work
Isle of Wight
Fees from...
£225 for funerals; £60 for pre-planning initial meeting + costs for subsequent meetings & writing up outline ceremony/tribute
How to contact me
avril.lucas@humanistceremonies.org.uk
Phone
Website
HUMANIST CEREMONIES™ is the network of more than 550 celebrants, trained by national charity Humanists UK to a gold standard to provide memorable and meaningful humanist ceremonies to non-religious people. Operating throughout England, Wales, Northern Ireland and the Channel Islands, we deliver authentic, tailor-made and heartfelt ceremonies for life’s key moments. They are always inclusive and welcoming, regardless of the beliefs of those attending.
You can trust Humanist Ceremonies celebrants: We are DBS-checked, fully insured, and regularly peer reviewed for quality assurance. We are committed to a code of conduct, and have a transparent and robust complaints process in the rare case of a problem. We all pay a monthly fee to Humanists UK to further support the work of the charity, and are part of a regional network for like-minded celebrants for support and learning.
Humanist funerals
Humanist funerals, memorials and ash ceremonies are a fitting way to honour a unique life with warmth, sensitivity and meaning, but without reference to religion or an afterlife. They put the story of the person who has died at the heart of the ceremony, paying tribute to them and the legacy they leave, and provide an opportunity to bring people together, not just to share sadness but to celebrate a life lived.
