About

Reasons to work with me - the many opportunities and ideas to explore so that we create your own ceremony; confidentiality, support and contact from start to finish; a secular service and ceremony but with the flexibility to include whichever rituals, vows or spiritual, personal or humanist content that you wish to have and that means something to you.

Background - I grew up in Wales (the Celtic Knot being a well know Welsh symbol) and after graduating in Liverpool, worked away before returning to the North West, and settling here in Manchester with my husband, dog, and cat. We have family close by and in Yorkshire and I enjoy heading back to Wales to visit my Mum. I am happy to travel to venues and locations - don't be surprised if I am in my red campervan!

Experience - I've worked professionally in the UK and globally,  and over 20 years built skills and experience in organising large and small events, and everything from a conference for 200, to a party on a boat for over a 100. Whether speaking, writing, curating, designing or delivering, I've gained a lot from working with a large range of people from various backgrounds, all over the world, and still keep in touch. 

People & Community - Alongside my professional work, for over 10 years I have been involved in establishing community charities in arts and culture, as a festival director and event curator, and in fundraising for charity (St Ann's Hospice).  This keeps me in touch with local people and the community, which is important to me. I was proud to be awarded the 'Pride of Manchester' award and introduced to HM The Queen in 2013 for my community work.   A proportion of my profit from my work as a Celebrant is donated to St Ann's Hospice each year.

My professional journey so far - I decided to do something different with my life a couple of years ago, and took redundancy. I wanted to do work that reflected my strengths and that I enjoyed, working with people and doing events. Work that gave me a sense of purpose and which would be uplifting, creative and sometimes fun.  So I trained as a Celebrant. 

Values - I value and respect the rights of the individual, the diversity and richness of humankind.  I set out to do my best and be the best person I can be, in whatever I do. When we lose a person close to us, get married, take redundancy, have a child or move from one role to another in life, we grow and evolve. Our life's journey is made up of many transitions, called rites of passage. Recognising those, celebrating them, facing their challenges is all part of life, and unique for everyone.  

Approach - Ceremonies to mark rites of passage involve not just the person, but family, friends and community - and there are lots of ideas and opportunities to make them personal.  My role is to help you make decisions about your ceremony, doing as much as you need me to.  I would first meet with you, on a no obligation basis, by phone or online, so that we can get to know each other, you can ask me questions and decide whether you wish to work with me. It is your choice, and your event, so everything must be right for you or your loved one.  More details on the process, fees and additional services I offer can be found on the page for each type of event. If appointed by a Funeral Director I will work with you and them closely to ensure your ceremony or service is as perfect as it can be.