Hi, I'm Tim

My husband died suddenly and without any warning at the age of 53. I was still in so much shock and pain by the funeral. Tim navigated my situation with enormous tact, compassion and care. He helped me to articulate my thoughts about my late husband, and put together a beautiful, moving and achingly accurate description of him for the burial service. In the afternoon we had a celebration of my husband's life, and Tim switched into MC mode, marshalling speakers, music and sideshows and keeping us running to time. He was a constant, reassuring presence throughout the day - commanding yet never bossy or intrusive. Even though I had only recently met him, he was genuinely one of the most supportive people there. What he does is incredible - this testimonial goes beyond recommending him without hesitation, into saying that everyone should have Tim by their side during their darkest days.

— Dr Kiera Chapman

"We can’t thank you enough Tim, it was a perfect day, everyone agreed how special and included you made us all feel. It’s probably one of the biggest challenges in life giving someone you’ve loved and shared a lifetime with over to a stranger for the very last time, however, you didn’t feel like a stranger, it felt as though you knew Tina and our family so it all felt very fitting and personal. I have the utmost respect and gratitude for all of the obvious effort you put in to the ceremony, it will never be forgotten. Thank you from the heart, Tim. Keep up the good work."

— Graham Siddall

Such a deeply kind and understanding soul with true empathy for fellow humans. We will be ever grateful for the service you gave us, Tim. We will remember you always and we think of you often with such comfort and calmness which is what you imparted to us.

There are not enough thanks we can give.  Love and peace to you.”

— Kim Errington

"I wanted to just say a huge heartfelt thank you for dad's celebration of life yesterday. You did an incredible job! There were a couple of people there who are friends of mine who didn't know my dad that well and they came away saying they felt like they knew him after the service. Everyone said at the wake what a great job you did, you included everything I wanted and really portrayed the person he was. It was beautiful! Honestly can't thank you enough Tim!"

— Annika Carney

“After the sudden and unexpected passing of my life-partner Tom, I was so relieved to have found Tim Holmes. From the initial consultation, he constantly offered his support, empathy and professionalism to help in this very stressful time. He took the time to really listen and encouraged input from the family to help with his understanding of just who Tom was and what he meant to us all. He expertly wove together a heart-warming and accurate picture of Tom and it was very obvious from the service that he had read and listened to everything – and there was a lot of input. Tom did not want any fuss nor an overly complicated funeral and Tim did us all proud and injected just the right amount of humour – capturing Tom’s personality really well. We did laugh with joy when recounting some poignant aspects of Tom’s life – Tim really summed him up well.

All of our family have said just how wonderful a service it was and were all happy that I found Tim. He not only conducted a great send off for Tom but made sure we were at ease both before and after the service.

I cannot thank Tim enough and if I could rate him out of 10, it would be a 20. A consummate, dedicated and caring Celebrant – you will always have my heart-felt thanks.”

— Mark (and The Roberts Family)

“Tim did an amazing job. He went above and beyond to make sure we had the funeral ceremony we wanted for my dad. He spent so much time learning about my dad’s life and really supported us through the process.

Everyone commented on what a nice service it had been and it felt like a celebration of my dad’s amazing life rather than a depressing event. We really appreciate the support and guidance Tim gave and are really pleased we found him.”

— The Kelly Family

“When my longest-standing and closest friend died recently, he left instructions for a natural burial at a rural burial site in Leicestershire. This was in the middle of lockdown and with no physical structures in the event of rain, it presented a real challenge. Fortunately, he’d asked that Tim act as celebrant before he died. This turned out to be an absolute blessing as Tim was fantastic, before, during and after the ceremony. He collaborated with us on the order of service, the eulogy and the readings and was very diplomatic regarding changes we wanted.

However, it was during the burial ceremony that Tim really came into his own. It was a surreal situation but Tim took it all in his stride, even in the car park where he brought a dramatic aura, calling to the assembly in his broad Yorkshire accent. The ceremony itself was truly amazing and everything we, and our fallen comrade, could have wished for. It all took place under torrential rain and dark skies, but Tim held it all together and it really was primal and magical. Can’t recommend him highly enough: gravitas, humour, charisma, clarity – he’s got the lot and we will be eternally grateful to him for guiding us through a difficult time. Cheers, mate.”

— Harry Harrison

“I know I’ve said it several times before, but just another massive thank you for all you did for Pete’s burial. Thank you for your awesome presence and for guiding us through the moment with warmth and sensitivity and power and love in equal measure.”

— Kate Martin

“Tim’s words made me weep tears equally full of joy and sadness. Nothing’s ever made me experience that before. Such a wonderfully constructed collection of beautiful words that absolutely nailed it.”

— Emma Birch

“Tim listened to us with sympathy and empathy, made us feel like he’d speak of mum with compassion, with words that would represent the beautiful person she was… The service was lovely, spoke of wonderful times and the caring, loving person mum was… Everyone said how good Tim was, how he did mum justice and we really appreciate this. Tim has a lovely caring way and listened to all our wishes for the service we wanted. Thank you deeply…”

— Carey Hopkinson