A humanist funeral is a non-religious service that is both a dignified farewell and a celebration of a life. I am a humanist celebrant, living in Middlesbrough.   I work closely with families to create meaningful ceremonies which are personal and unique for those who have lived their lives without a religious faith.   My aim is that you will leave the ceremony feeling comforted and even uplifted. I take funeral ceremonies in Teesside but travel further afield in North Yorkshire and Durham.   My contact details are on the right. Please ring any time.  Evenings and weekends are fine.

What is a humanist funeral like?

A funeral is an important part of the natural grieving process.  It gives friends and family the chance to come together to remember and to celebrate a life.

At a Humanist funeral, the focus is on paying tribute to the person who has died – celebrating what was special about the life they led and remembering the people, places and events that were important to them.  This tribute is the heart of the ceremony.  We will also listen to music and poetry chosen for them, spend a moment in quiet reflection and we will say a formal farewell.

My background

I am accredited by Humanists UK following a rigorous training process. It was my experience of bereavement that led to my decision to train as a celebrant. The people we meet at this time have a profound influence on our experience of loss. I have had both good and bad experiences and I want to make a difference and add to the good experiences.

I have recently retired; I was an Assistant Principal at a Sixth Form College, with responsibility for the pastoral system. I am used to listening sympathetically to people and have a qualification in Counselling skills. I enjoy walking with friends, reading and I’m a member of Middlesbrough Community Choir. For a challenge, when I retired I climbed Kilimanjaro with my son. You will find me an approachable person, interested in your stories and keen to craft them into a ceremony which will recognise the profound sadness of saying goodbye, at the same time as the importance of celebrating a life well lived.