Hello!

My name is Clare and, as a funeral celebrant, I aim to work with you to create a bespoke funeral or memorial service to commemorate the life of your loved one. I wish to express your words, feelings, values and beliefs in a way that you want them to be delivered, working closely with you to ensure this happens. I will take as much of a part in the ceremony as you want me to from writing and conducting it entirely to simply acting as MC.

I have lived in Liverpool all my life, aside from 3 years when I studied Theology at Durham University. I am married and a mum to two beautiful children. My husband is an organist and has played for funerals around Liverpool for over 2 decades. Even before becoming a celebrant I accompanied him to many funerals - both the good and the not so good. I also built up a good rapport with many funeral directors in the city during this time. Since becoming a celebrant I have conducted ceremonies in the crematoria and cemeteries of Liverpool, Sefton, St. Helen’s, Warrington, West Lancashire, Widnes and Wirral, receiving much positive feedback from both families and funeral directors.

I moved into funeral celebrancy after a career in education having been a secondary school teacher, teaching Religious Education to 11-18 year olds, for 9 years. In the time that I was a teacher I had the privilege of working with people from all different walks of life - pupils, parents, colleagues and other professionals. During my career I was promoted to Head of Year with the responsibility of taking care of the pastoral needs of 150 pupils and working with them outside the classroom. I was able to stand by their side as they experienced different life events, both the joyous and the grief-stricken. I felt honoured to be there for the pupils and their families in their times of need, carrying out my role with both empathy and compassion.

I have a love of studying religion. My main studies have been in Christianity, however I have studied a variety of religious beliefs and world views. One of the courses I taught was an A Level module which delved into what people believed about death and the afterlife, opening my eyes to a variety of beliefs. It became clear to me that the culture of a ‘one size fits all’ funeral, that seems to have developed in the UK, does not correspond to the diversity of beliefs within it.

The ceremonies I conduct are far from ‘one size fits all’. After an initial meeting with you in which we will take the time to chat about your loved one and discuss what you are hoping for within the ceremony, I will create a personalised script. Contributions from others within the ceremony are welcome and I will communicate with those who wish to speak or perform prior to the day. You will have the opportunity to view what has been written and make as many changes as you see as necessary to ensure the ceremony is just as you want it.

Another service which I offer is to write ceremonies pre-death, that is, working with those who wish to have a say in their own funeral ceremonies, either in part or in its entirety. Once again this service includes meeting with you and the opportunity for you to edit what is written.

I’m not here to tell you what you have to have in a ceremony, I’m here to facilitate and help you get the ceremony want. I’m your celebrant.