“I moved to the Middle East when I was a few years old, and grew up mainly outdoors on the beach or in the sea. I was lucky that my father’s job took us overseas and attending international schools, my love of all cultures started very young.
Fast forward a few decades and I live in the countryside in Kent with my family, which includes our dog, Luna. We are lucky enough to live in an area surrounded by orchards which helps us really step away from the humdrum of “normal” life and think things through with very clear heads.
I love being outdoors in the fresh air (quite ideal with many of our celebrancy ceremonies being held outside), thrive on adventure and I adore being in or near water, whether in the UK or abroad.
I’ve always had a passion for helping and supporting people, with a skill for listening, stepping back and offering advice and support. To hold your hand (physically or metaphorically) through one of life’s toughest milestones really gives me the satisfaction of knowing that I have helped families and made some of their personal events that little bit slicker and smoother.
I have had too much personal experience of grief and death for my liking. I joined the cancer club twice (first aged 29), and it led to some beautiful friendships but heart breaking losses. However, these experiences have led me to understand how important goodbyes are, and encouraged me to undertake grief and bereavement training so I am able to support emotions as well as the practical logistics of such sad days.
Our lovely Luna, a german wirehaired pointer, is an integral part of the family, and when we nearly lost her when she was 2 years old, I experienced a very new emotion and quickly realised that pets are so much more than animals. You will often find her at my side whether out in the fields, in town or at home and she gives me the appreciation that she is her own individual and should be celebrated (any excuse: birthdays, gotcha days, Mondays…)
Writing an About Me is hard so I asked some friends to describe me. They used words such as kind, organised, friendly, fun, creative, strategic, thorough, quirky and accepting. They said they know that with my love of working with people closely and using my attention to detail, this is an ideal vocation for me.
I am an independent celebrant Kent being my home, but happy to travel. I adapt to you – if you want formal, I suit and boot. If you want informal, I follow suit.
My main aim as we work together is to be a part of your life for a short while to ensure that together we create a customised ceremony that reflects your loved one perfectly, including their wishes. I get my hands dirty, or keep them clean to hold yours – for part of my life, you become the most important person in my world.”
Debs
Want Formal?
My writing style will reflect your wishes, and include all of the formalities that you would like.
On the day, I’ll be in a suit and my professional conduct will reflect the nature of your ceremony and wishes.
Want Informal?
My writing style will be led by your personality and include all the quirkiness you are after.
On the day, I’ll be smart casual but I am totally open to joining in any theme you have in mind for your loved ones ceremony!
