After such a varied career, why did I decide to become a funeral celebrant? Well, I lost my younger brother suddenly and unexpectedly when he was still quite young, a loss that even now is hard to accept. Both my father and my mother died some time ago and in both cases I took on the organisation of each of their funerals. This was an experience I found cathartic and very rewarding.

 

More recently, I was deeply moved by the experience of a work colleague whose youngest and dearly loved child died in a road accident aged only twenty. His intimate knowledge of the processes leading up to death helped him and all of his family. As she lay in a coma in the days leading up to her death, and he was able to comfort them the whole family with his reassurances and explanations.

 

After this, I read extensively on death. And eventually decided to train as a funeral celebrant, so I could provide support to mourning families through dignified, supportive and personal farewell ceremonies for their loved ones.

 

My work as a funeral celebrant is challenging, intensive, deeply tragic at times, happy and grateful at other times. But it is always a privilege to share in the experience of people who are trying to cope with great loss and to learn about the very special personalities, diverse interests and fascinating careers of their loved ones.