Becoming a Humanist celebrant felt like a natural progression for me and has been such a rewarding experience. I had a Humanist celebrant at my wedding and then Humanist naming ceremonies for both of our two boys.
Having worked for Citizens Advice Service for over a decade, I have gained a lot of experience of meeting with families in difficult and stressful situations, and helping them to find solutions. I see my role as a funeral celebrant in the same way: how can I help the family left behind to celebrate the life of their loved one in the best and most fitting way possible?
I have many years’ experience of public speaking and of writing and delivering tributes and speeches for funerals, memorials and other celebrations. I have always loved stories; both reading and writing them. The celebrant role allows me to use these skills to put together a fitting life story for the person who has died. Each person is unique, each life story and ceremony should be unique as well. Listening is an underrated skill but one that is essential in this role – asking lots of questions but listening to family members with an open mind. I see each new request by a family member to arrange the ceremony for their loved one’s funeral as a privilege. I ask myself how I can remove some of the practical stress and worry at this difficult time and ensure that your loved one receives the best possible celebration of their life?
