I think a funeral is an important time for friends and family to come together to celebrate and honour the life of the person who has died. I warmly welcome enquiries from anyone who has lost someone close. I would be there to offer support to you, at the hardest of times, to place the person who you have lost at the heart of a ceremony that reflects how you would like to remember them and share their story.

A memorable goodbye

“When someone you love becomes a memory, the memory becomes a treasure.” Unknown author

Humanist funerals are for anyone who would like a non-religious ceremony, not just humanists. When we meet we can spend time talking about the person who has died so that we can create a respectful and meaningful goodbye.

Humanist funerals can include: personal stories, memories, tributes, readings and music, as well as tears and smiles of recognition, to make it a sincere and authentic farewell. I can offer suggestions if needed and I can help you to create a simple ceremony or something as creative as you wish.

Funeral ceremonies can take place at local crematoria like the Downs Crematorium and the  North and South chapels at Woodvale crematorium in Brighton and Hove and natural burial sites like Clayton Wood Natural Burial Ground near Hassocks in East Sussex.

About me: It has been my privilege to work as a primary school teacher for 28 years and prior to that in a creative arts project that champions the artistic ambitions of people with learning disabilities. I really like working with people and I’m told that I am a good listener, well-organised, kind and compassionate.I am passionate about finding ways for everyone to feel equally welcome and included. As a specialist teacher I have supported families and colleagues when they have lost a family member and I have written lessons for children about loss and bereavement commissioned by a national charity. I also have British Sign Language skills to level 1.

Writing and sharing the tributes for my parents’ funerals and supporting a close friend to ensure that her wishes at the end of her life were met as she hoped, have led me to train as a funeral celebrant, accredited by Humanists UK.

Brighton is my home, where I live with my partner and small Westie dog. When I’m not working I like: sea swimming, walking with my dog, reading and visits to the cinema and volunteering in a local heritage garden and at the Oxfam bookshop. Also, I particularly enjoy the small joy resulting from the time I spend staring at trees and sharing cups of tea with friends!