Unique, personal ceremonies that celebrate life...
Organising a funeral or memorial service can be a tough, confusing and emotional time - a time when it's difficult to make choices, but equally a time when we're acutely aware of the need to 'get it right' for someone we love. Even more so during the current pandemic.
That's where I can help.
I strongly believe that everyone should be able to have the funeral they want. With 52% of the UK population now describing themselves as non-religious, being able to choose how we say goodbye is becoming increasingly important and we no longer have to stick with the traditional format.
Trained by Humanists UK, I work closely with friends and family to create meaningful, individual ceremonies that celebrate the life that has been and reflect the person who has died. Your funeral, your way.
Eight years ago my father died very suddenly and my sisters and I found ourselves arranging his funeral. We'd never had to arrange a funeral before and felt bit lost as to what to do for the best. One thing we were sure of was that we wanted a non-religious funeral, one that reflected our dad's love of music and his personality. We found a humanist celebrant, and knew straightaway that it was the right fit for us. The whole ceremony was so 'him', which made a difficult day easier - and really uplifting.
A little bit about me...
I've worked extensively in health and social care, with early onset dementia patients and in community development, particularly with anti-poverty charities. I am also a member of Humanists UK Pastoral Support Network (think non-religious hospital and prison chaplaincy) and am a volunteer chaplain at Arthur Rank Hospice where I work as part of a team supporting patients, families and staff. I'm also a trained Dementia Friend and this year will be training to become a qualified death doula, providing care and support to people at the end of their lives.
I am based in Cambridge but work right across East Anglia including Huntingdon, Peterborough, Ely, Newmarket, Royston, March and Bury St. Edmunds. Please take a look around my web site for more information on the services I provide, and do get in touch if you have any questions. You can email me at alex@alexcolliscelebrant.co.uk or phone 07587 297657.
