Hi, I'm Toby

Image of Toby Goode

I strongly believe that a good funeral can make a big difference. Honouring a loved one in a way that feels truly authentic can be transformative for those who are saying goodbye. Whether you plan a non-religious funeral, celebration of life, memorial service or ash ceremony, it’s important the occasion is unique – and feels just right.

My aim as a celebrant is to make your farewell meaningful, memorable and uplifting.

I speak powerfully – and from the heart

I’m an impassioned public speaker who has a way with words. I bring energy and confidence to ceremonies, delivering them with sensitivity and love. Empathy, open-mindedness and creativity are at my core. I’ll work closely with you to craft a send-off that dignifies your person with honesty, warmth and gratitude.

I’m an expert storyteller

I’ve always been interested in what makes other people tick and love hearing and telling people’s stories. I worked for three decades in international journalism, covering diverse lives and cultures. I’ll use my accomplished writing and presentation skills to compose a beautiful tribute and lead your ceremony with authority and compassion.

Personal bereavement motivates my celebrant work

My experience of losing my partner fuels my passion for helping others as they navigate the emotional challenges of planning a farewell. In my celebrant work, I communicate with patience and kindness. I’ll sensitively incorporate your wishes, thoughts and recollections into a highly personalised ceremony that authentically reflects your person’s life and legacy.

My Humanist approach

Treating every person I encounter with courtesy, respect and understanding is my guiding principle. As a Humanist celebrant - trained and accredited by Humanists UK - I place the unique, lived experience at the heart of my non-religious ceremonies. I don’t lead any acts of worship, but I acknowledge the beliefs that others may hold and am open to discussing the inclusion in a ceremony of content that may bring particular comfort.

My passions

I’m a keen landscape and portrait artist, a dog lover and a proud member of the LGBTQ+ community. I’m often to be found out on long walks in the green spaces of southeast London near my home in Woolwich, while I also maintain strong ties with my native county of Kent. I’m a talented linguist and confidently speak French, Italian, Japanese and Spanish.

I’m happy to have an initial conversation to better explain what I do and how I work.

Toby delivered the most personal, heartfelt and honourable tribute to my Dad. The ceremony he created was full of warmth, meaning, humour and sensitivity - and was more than my family and I could have wished for. I would highly recommend Toby; he presented a genuine celebration of life so beautifully.

— Karen, Canterbury

Words cannot express the loving care, warmth and compassion Toby presented whilst preparing my husband's eulogy. He listened to every detail so calmly and professionally, fulfilling my wishes in making the service such a memorable occasion.

— Virginia, Ashford

Image of Toby Goode

Toby Goode

Where I work

I principally work in London and in Kent. I'm happy to discuss travelling further afield.

Fees from...

£275

How to contact me
Email

toby.goode@humanistceremonies.org.uk

Phone

07796 698879

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.