Compassionate. Authentic. Dependable.

The end of a life is a significant and deeply personal moment, and the planning, rituals and celebrations around it can go a long way to helping us with the grief we experience. To support people with this I work in a variety of ways. I am an independent, non-religious funeral celebrant. What that means is that I listen and work with you to create a ceremony, and then I lead that ceremony on the day. If you are planning your own funeral, and wondering what options are available to you, we can explore that together too. We can look at planning for the end of life together, either one-to-one, or as part of a group or on a course. 

For 35 years I enjoyed a career as a nurse in the NHS. Much of this was working in palliative care, supporting people and those close to them as they approached the end of life. I've always felt it to be a privilege to be alongside people during difficult and challenging times and I am glad to continue this by guiding and supporting you.

 

"The ceremony took place in the open air on a very hot day and drew in more than 100 friends and relatives. Vanessa showed concern about everyones comfort during the ceremony and made sure that the event started promptly and proceeded at a good pace but without rushing. The very many positive comments on the ceremony that I received after the event illustrated my own feeling that Vanessa had provided us with outstanding service"

 

What I do

Planning a funeral

Ceremonies - funerals - celebration of life

Advance Care Planning

About me

I live in Thame, Oxfordshire, with my wife and our dog Jeff. My two much loved adult daughters are finding their way in the world. I play piano and synth, and I sing – on my own, in a duo, and with a band. I also love being on my allotment, whether that’s getting my hands dirty or drinking tea and having a chat. I believe in living this one life that we have as well and as positively as we possibly can – with kindness and compassion.

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