Hello and Welcome
Firstly, I’m aware that if you are looking at my web page, then it is likely you have been recently bereaved and so let me begin by offering you my sincere condolences.
Planning a funeral can feel hard. It can feel like there is much to work through and consider and it can be a daunting experience on top of dealing with the death itself. If you are feeling a bit overwhelmed right now, know that is normal. It’s OK.
About me
I am often asked what prompted me to want to be a funeral celebrant, rather than say a wedding celebrant. Surely weddings would be much more fun people say! The truth is that ever since I experienced bereavement as a teenager when my dad died, I have been interested in how we deal with bereavement and death in the UK. As well as dad dying many years ago, I have also experienced the death of both my beloved mum and brother as well as several other important people in my life.
I have long felt that death and dying continued to be a taboo and often funerals I have attended have felt impersonal, rushed, and unsatisfactory. When I discovered Humanism twenty years ago (and realised I was a Humanist!), I found a different way to mark the ending of life. I attended humanist funerals that were not formulaic and rushed and because they were not filled with the requirements of a traditional religious funeral, they were also very personal to the deceased. I became a funeral celebrant because I can think of no bigger privilege and satisfaction than supporting people through a funeral, which I believe is such an important part of the bereavement process.
I can lead ceremonies for Cremations, Burials, Internment, Scattering of Ashes as well as Memorial services.
Whether it be a small quiet affair in a crematorium or burial ground or a raucous send off in a community hall, pub, or home, I will accompany you in the planning and preparation and will then deliver the ceremony on the day. In a Humanist funeral there is very little that cannot be made possible (within the law of course) and the occasion can be truly personalised and tailored for you. What’s most important is that you feel the event was right for the person who has died, truly reflecting your (and their) wishes.
