I’m a semi-retired teacher, living with my partner and our small Westie dog. I am very used to public speaking and I’m told that I’m a good listener, kind and compassionate.

The death and loss of a loved one is, without doubt, one of life’s most significant experiences. A non-religious funeral ceremony focuses on the heartfelt recognition of the person who has died.

In the words of Jane Goodall:

“Every individual life matters, every individual has a role to play, every individual has made a difference.”

I would like to offer you a safe pair of hands to support and guide you and your family in creating a personal, meaningful, and respectful ceremony that celebrates the life of your loved one. I warmly welcome enquiries from anyone who has lost someone close.

As well as leading funeral ceremonies, I have supported my class community after the death of one of their peers, been involved in the pre-planning of a close friend’s funeral, led ceremonies for both of my parents, and written and taught lessons on bereavement for children, commissioned by the national charity Winston’s Wish. I understand how hard this subject can be, and I find it a real privilege to be part of a process that both marks this moment and honours their life and legacy.

A memorable goodbye

I have often wondered what makes people say that a funeral was a “good” one.

Patti Smith suggests:

“If you transform grief into remembrance, then you magnify the person you lost and give something of that person to other people.”

My experience of leading and attending ceremonies has led me to believe that a good funeral often includes:

• A set time to hear and tell the stories of someone’s life
• A ceremony that places the wishes of the deceased person, their family, and friends at its heart
• A range of emotions — tears, nods of recognition, laughter, and sometimes cheer from learning new insights about the person’s life
• A time for friends and family to collectively bear witness, offer comfort, and say farewell
• A combination of music, readings, personal contributions, and rituals that help manage potentially overwhelming emotions
• A ceremony guided and led with calm, respect, and quiet confidence

Humanist funerals are for anyone who would like a non-religious ceremony, not just humanists. It would be an honour to help you create a ceremony that is a fitting tribute. I can help you design something as simple or 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 . I am passionate about finding ways for everyone to feel equally welcome and included.  I also have British Sign Language skills to level 1.

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!

‘Sarah reflected the life and qualities of my mum so perfectly! She did this by listening and then crafting and weaving words so perfectly into a journey through life and beyond. Sarah was calm , welcoming and supportive of younger and older contributors. I would not hestitate in recommending Sarah as a sensitive, undertstanging, professional and insightful celebrant. Thank you for helping us all to celebrate my mum’s life’ Victoria

I wholeheartedly recommend Sarah. We weren’t certain we wanted a celebrant for the Celebration of Life Service we had for my mum, but I’m so glad we did and that we chose Sarah. She really helped us focus and form the occasion, did such a brilliant job of learning about mum and creating a really moving and fitting tribute, which she delivered so beautifully’ Helen