Hi, I’m a celebrant who’s helped over 200 families celebrate the lives of their loved ones. In 2025, I was amazed and humbled to be nominated by many of my families as National Celebrant of the Year — and made it to the finals!
I live in South Yorkshire with my husband, our slightly mad old boxer, and a feisty cat who thinks she’s in charge. When I’m not creating or leading ceremonies, you’ll find me wrestling with the garden, lost in a book, or sneaking off on the odd holiday or night out.
Back in the day, I was a biker, loving every twist and turn on my 1000cc and the occasional long tour — these days the thrill comes from the go-kart mode of my electric car – it’s not quite the same! You may have already noticed I like my specs! If you don’t want mourners wearing black – I will match my outfit and specs to their favourite colour and style.
I grew up in Staffordshire, with family roots across South Yorkshire, North Derbyshire, and Nottinghamshire. I come from a long line of miners — until my parents switched to teaching — so perhaps helping, listening, and storytelling runs in my blood!
Becoming a celebrant felt like a perfect fit. I love helping families tell their stories, celebrate the people they love, and create ceremonies that are heartfelt, personal, and sometimes even a little sparkly.
Becoming a celebrant a few years ago felt like the natural next step — it just clicked with everything I’d done before. I’d delivered plenty of eulogies, mostly for family, and some memorials for former students. In every one, my goal was simple: capture who they really were, celebrate their best bits, add a touch of humour, and always keep it warm and respectful.
Now, I get to do that for every family I work with — helping tell stories, celebrate lives, and create ceremonies that feel personal, heartfelt, and sometimes even a little sparkly. It’s a privilege I never take for granted.
I’ve always loved telling stories — it’s the thread running through everything I’ve done.
Before becoming a celebrant, I was a headteacher in two South Yorkshire schools — standing in front of hundreds of teenagers in assembly was great practice for creating ceremonies that really engage people
I trained as an English and drama teacher back in 1994, so I’ve always got poems, readings, and a knack for writing at my fingertips. Before that, I worked as a journalist and editor on the radio and international magazines — and even won a few awards along the way!
Through it all, listening carefully and communicating clearly has been my constant. Now, I finally get to do what I love most: helping families celebrate and remember their loved ones with warmth, care, and a touch of sparkle. I was thrilled to train with the highly respected Fellowship of Professional Celebrants.
(Letters? MA, BA (Hons), PGCE & ACP. But really, it’s the experience that matters most at times like these.)
*The Fellowship of Professional Celebrants is the largest organisation of independent celebrants in the UK and Europe. To belong to the fellowship, you have to be professionally trained by the organisation. “Passionate about ceremony; passionate about people.”
I am also committed to on-going development to ensure I provide the best possible services; in 2025, I have attended the Independent Celebrant Retreat.
I am honoured to have been a finalist for Celebrant of the Year in the Good Funeral Awards 2025.
