I decided to train to be a funeral celebrant, after going to the moving and uplifting celebration of life and funeral for my cousin. He died in his 50's of cancer and it had been very hard to watch him deteriorate. I didn't know if I could bear to go to his funeral but  I'm so glad I did, because hearing about his life and all the things I didn't know - the ups and downs, the funny stories, the struggles and the triumphs; helped me to really connect with him. I felt sad but also uplifted and inspired by his story and courage. The funeral celebrant was wonderful - kind and warm and perceptive and the songs, poems and pictures are still with me. 

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I have been to many funerals over the years; not only because I come from a big family but also because I lost my closest friend when I was at school. I know that nothing can take away the pain of loss, but I also know that an authentic  good-bye from the heart, can help to create a different kind of grieving - one which feels somehow more complete. 

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In 2017, the aunt who was like a mother to me died, and I organised her funeral and delivered the eulogy. It was a really tough time and I still miss her now, but I loved the way the unique funeral that reflected who she was, brought me closer to her, and to those who loved her.

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I feel passionately about meeting other people where they are, and respecting their beliefs. For me, this is the most important thing we can do for each other. A funeral which is able to truly reflect that person and their beliefs, whatever they may have been, is a chance to understand more about life. This knowledge that we all will die and the desire to make the send-off as honest and authentic as possible, is what motivates me.  As for my background; I've taught children and adults who have learning difficulties for the last 20 years and worked as an interim head in a special needs school. I was also in youth  counselling and therapeutic drug community research; marketing communications and did an 18 month stint as an agent for an animal photographer!

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I'm a trained counsellor, enjoy  writing and aspire to be an Opera singer! I also love walking my dog in nature and spending time with family and friends. 

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My celebrant training was on the Level 3 OCN Diploma course for funeral celebrants with Green Fuse and I subscribe to the Funeral Celebrant Accord. 

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I am a member of the Good Funeral Guild and The Natural Death Society 

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I support Dying Matters and attend 'Death Cafes' which provide a forum to talk about how we feel about death and dying.