04/02/2024
When Tony died suddenly in 2017, I had no idea how formative that experience would be. My stepfather since I was 8 years old, Tony’s untimely death hit me hard, shaking the foundations of all I thought I knew and understood.
As his executor, we’d discussed his business affairs but, for some reason, never talked about his funeral wishes. So, when he died suddenly, our family were left with few clues about what to do next.
Sitting around the kitchen table, filled with disbelief, sorrow and anger, we talked about what we knew of his wishes. It brought memories flooding back; we laughed hard and cried bitterly.
We explored all the funeral options available, deciding we wished to arrange much of the funeral ourselves, taking friendly advice and support from a local Funeral Director and guidance from a Civil Funeral Celebrant, Judy Mansfield.
Despite the loss, it provided us with a means and purpose to remember his presence. I came to learn that a funeral is at once a greeting and a letting go – it might move us to tears, but it can start to heal us too.
Experiencing Judy's thoughtful, sensitive, and gently encouraging nature, I started as a Civil Funeral Celebrant & Tribute Writer at Timeless Tributes in October 2023.
Underpinned by accreditation in NOCN L3 Diploma in Funeral Celebrancy and BACP L3 Certificate in Counselling Studies, I apply all my skills and experiences gained over 25 years of closely supporting families through their own inevitable difficulties as a Headteacher.
Whilst I’d never anticipated that my own shattering experience in 2017 would lead me here, I hope to provide comfort, support, and guidance to as many people as possible through some of the most difficult times in their own lives, as they grieve and mourn the loss of those they love.
