Grief can be tough- even if you know it is coming. A good funeral won’t takeaway grief, but it can help the memory of a loved one feel comforting and uplifting, even in sadness. Delivering this kind of funeral is what I strive for, on each and every occasion.

I have spent the majority of my working life as an actor, writer and voice-over artist; a career that requires many of the same skills as a funeral celebrant. But it’s been my own journey through grief that made me want to become a celebrant, and to use my passion for telling stories to remember those who die in a way that loved ones will feel is utterly fitting and unique to that person.

A Humanist funeral is simply a way to remember someone truthfully and kindly, without the need for religion. I am very proud to represent Humanists UK- the standards they set for celebrants and the values we hold. But I am also aware that some people are religious and that their faith is especially important to them in times of grief. It is important to me that everyone feels welcome and supported at a funeral. I don’t seek to challenge faith, but I do believe in integrity, so I don’t personally perform any act of religious worship.

Those who choose me to conduct a ceremony for them will find that I make every effort to deliver the best send-off I can. This requires me to spend plenty of time asking questions and finding out about the person who died, while always respecting sensitivity. I will then write what will hopefully be the perfect memorial for that person- and loved ones will get the chance to check that I have- I make sure that they get the opportunity to review my tribute before the day of the funeral. We can talk through music choices, and suitable poems, and by the day of the funeral everyone can be confident that the ceremony will be a fitting conclusion to a cherished life.

I am based in Lancaster, and work predominantly in North Lancashire, but am happy to conduct ceremonies across North West England and also the North East. I will also consider conducting ceremonies further afield in special circumstances.