Janie Burdett | Wedding and Funeral Celebrant

My role is to make your funeral ceremony as appropriately brilliant as it can be, for it to encapsulate grief and shock, but also the laughter and love.

Funeral celebrancy attracted me at a time when it was becoming possible for me to draw my long career in the NHS to a close.

Working as a mental health nurse for older people for the majority of my long career it is my nature to reach out to help people.  I am calm, used to supporting very sad or distressed families; perhaps after giving difficult news, or helping them to see the light at the end of a very difficult period.

With a working knowledge of ambiguous loss in relation to dementia and other terminal illness, I have the skills to gently guide you at a time of shock, and support you through this early part of your journey to celebrate and grieve your loved one in the best way possible .

I have a family, husband, five children, grandchildren and furry friends who are also part of the family. It is possible that you require some inspiration for a pet celebration, I can help there too.

I have experienced many losses in my life, but none have diminished my sense of fun; it is true to say that they help me to celebrate life. Today, and every day. This is my philosophy, let’s look for the joy; even if that is only the brief holding of hands, a nod, a feeling of connectedness.

Music is very important to me, a variety to match the mood; together we will be able to find what is meaningful for your loved one, or for you.

I studied poetry when I was young, retaining a love of words and nature. The sky, mountains, meadows and forests, the full moon, a babbling brook. it is in these places that we can find inspiration and peace.

I also have a love of goats. No need to tell any one that.

You have to have a sense of humour working in mental health ( and a love of wine) which has helped me to achieve a serene balance between kindness, calmness, and a gentle sense of fun where needed.

Being composed during distressing times and leading with a quiet clarity is something I have mastered over my life. This will help you and your family and friends when you need it the most.

I will be there for you to guide you through every step of the way.

You will find it easy to share your loved ones story with me. Don't worry that you may feel shy or are too upset to talk. You will find that I'm an excellent listener and skilled at putting you at ease.

Don't worry if your grief is for a life too short, or not so full, we cannot judge a biography by the number of pages in it, we must judge by the richness of it’s contents; sometimes the unfinished are among the most beautiful of symphonies.

If you have lost a child there is very little that can be possibly said to give any consolation or to help explain or give meaning to what has happened;  but what we can do is to celebrate their life and acknowledge the pain that accompanies your loss and provide a way to help you commit your child into your hearts and memories in the best possible way.

I look forward to  working with you to create a bespoke and meaningful celebration that you will enjoy because it expresses your loved ones unique spirit, once met, never forgotten.

Take Care,

Janie