Hello, I’m Annie
A few years ago my Mum died.
Not particularly suddenly.
She was nearly 99 and had lived a remarkable life.
But, even though I could see she was becoming more poorly and knew that she was dying . . . when the moment came that she actually passed - I was totally numb.
I couldn’t think.
Well, to be honest, I couldn’t really function at all.
And, if that’s how you’re feeling just now, you have my deepest sympathy.
However, what emerged from all this grief has been life changing in so many ways.
Throughout her life, Mum had always been a church goer and supported her local church in many ways.
Yet, when she went into care, she never received a visit from any member of the clergy . . . and so when she died I was very unsure who to ask to do her service.
I can remember having this conversation with Mum’s Funeral Arranger so clearly.
And after I’d felt all of those ‘icky’ I couldn’t possibly do that sort of feelings . . . I said “YES”
And proceeded to create a ceremony that was full of love, laughter and joy as we celebrated the amazing life Mum had led.
“Why don’t you do it?”
It was a ‘send off’ that I know Mum would have enjoyed
That, not only told her story but incorporated many of the stories of times that we, as a family, had shared.
Which, as they were told, created laughter . . . as well as a few tears.
And the seed for being able to do this for others was sown too.
And took root as I secured a role as a Funeral Arranger offering support, guidance and advice to newly bereaved families.
Whilst bringing all of the skills and experience I’ve gained through a lifetime of supporting people and families with my various posts within the NHS.
And now . . . inspired by a fascinating and comprehensive Funeral Celebrancy Training with The Academy Of Modern Celebrants, I am here to support you in creating the unique and heart-filled ceremony that you desire for your loved one.
A few little ‘snippits’ about me!
I worked within the NHS for nearly 30 years!
As a Nurse specialising in A&E and Palliative Care . . . and then, for the last 12 years or so, as a Midwife.
Thinking back, wherever I worked, I was always supporting people through times of change.
Whether this was with couples becoming parents, patients being given a life changing diagnosis . . . or with families devastated by a sudden and traumatic loss.
I ran my own Complementary Therapy Clinics
On leaving the NHS, I began to follow my interest and passion by learning a whole range of alternative medicine modalities. Beginning with The Bowen Technique, there soon followed Reiki and Crystal Therapies, EFT, Energy Medicine or Shamanic Practitioner Training, Life Coaching and NLP.
I was also employed to share Energy Medicine Techniques within an NHS Breast Cancer Clinic
I really pay attention to the details
My background has taught me many things . . . perhaps, most importantly, that ‘getting things right’ is super important.
And this is something that has stood me in good stead as a Celebrant - we don’t get the chance for a ‘second go’ . . . and therefore there is no room for error.
I am ‘purely’ a Funeral Celebrant
My skill, experience and passion is supporting those families who have experienced the loss of a loved one and want to create a fitting and memorable ceremony for them.
For this reason my focus and my work is purely as a Funeral Celebrant . . . working in the variety of ways I have shared on my ‘Ceremonies’ page.
I’ve written a book
This is a guide for Mums To Be, which brings together all of my midwifery and alternative medicine knowledge to support and empower women through this incredible time of transition.
And another maybe in the pipeline - watch this space!
My little family is really important to me.
I have an incredible daughter and am blessed to be a Grannie too.
When I’m not working ~
I love to be out in nature - whatever the weather (!) and enjoy walking my retired rescued greyhound- especially in the wildest landscapes, although she’s not always so keen when the weather’s rough!
My first job was ~
After leaving school, I initially worked with horses and my dream was to get onto the GB 3 Day Event Team!
That was until someone said “when are you going to get a ‘proper’ job?”
Which was when I undertook my nurse training and began a long and rewarding career within the NHS.
I love to learn new things ~
I’m a bit of a ‘life long learner’ and am currently exploring new techniques that I can incorporate into my Celebrancy work
(Watch this space!)
Get in touch
If you’d like to arrange a time to chat or you have a query about my work and how I might help you, then please do get in touch using this form
