I have recently had occasion to use the services of Debbie Jones who is an independent celebrant based in Manchester (she had been recommended by close friends) at a funeral to celebrate and honour my brother had died suddenly.

Because I have never had to organise a funeral before, the idea of trying to deal with the grief of the loss of a (close) brother whilst also being tied up in formality, protocols and paperwork was a daunting one.

I needn’t have worried. At the very first consultation at my home (Debbie is flexible and indicated that she would have been happy to do this elsewhere if I wanted to) I was immediately set at ease as she carefully teased out the important and salient points she needed, and was a calming presence throughout this, for me, emotional and difficult process.

After this initial meeting, and in the run- up to the actual day of the ceremony, Debbie was always available to address any concerns that I had, via text, email or mobile; which is really important if you are trying to plan something like this on your own,because there are many decisions and issues that have to be decided.

In terms of the ‘service’ itself, Debbie was again very flexible as she fitted her ‘script’ not only around a personal testimony that I had written, but in that she was also happy to accommodate fully five other separate personal remembrances, as well as having to findspace for three pieces of music.

So: the ceremony itself could not have gone any better and was carried out exactly as both I, and my late brother, would have wanted. Debbie has a very calming presence and a genuine warmth which sets everyone at ease, and has that amazing skill whereby you think she’s addressing you personally all the way through!

Many attendees were very complimentary with regards to not only Debbie, but also to the refreshing lack of ‘formality’ (just as my brother had requested some time ago) and many also mentioned how they loved the warm and moving ‘personalisation’ of the ceremony.

Debbie is hugely & highly recommended.

Thank you, Rahman. I’m deeply appreciative of the thought, time and effort you’ve put into writing this for me.

Yes, I think the most important thing about my role is to be able to instil in people a sense of calm, and that I’m holding the whole thing for them, and they can trust that and feel assured, at a very raw and tender time when they’re in the public eye.

I’m heartened that you felt so supported. It was an honour to support you and also to get to know your brother a little, through you. He made a difference in life, and the two of you have made a difference to me - to witness such closeness in two brothers is very moving. The love for him felt by everybody present was very tangible in the room.

Thank you again.
All the very best,
Debbie.

“Thank you for being so patient with us, coordinating it all in such a calm way, with grace and dignity. Thank you for being here.” K.W. Stafford, Lincolnshire

“So lovely to sit and chat to you, Debbie, and to benefit from your warm and interested presence.” A.B, Chorlton, Manchester

“Debbie has an abundance of natural warmth, she is open and interested, listens without judgement, and you feel safe and held in her company.” A.D, Didsbury, Manchester

“Hi Debbie, just wanted to say thank you so much for all you did to send A on his way so wonderfully. Everyone who I spoke to after the service said you were really good and they said it was very good service.” L.K, Leyland, Lancashire

“ Thank you for the script and for the ceremony. Thank you for helping us at such a hard time. We really appreciate it.” B. B. Moston, Manchester

“Hi Debbie, I’ve read this through and think it’s lovely and very fitting for my mum.” M.M, Crumpsall, Manchester

“Thank you, that was perfect. I actually feel as if I know my dad much better now.” L.F. Blackley, Manchester

“Debbie, you did an amazing job of the Service, it hit just the right note – not too sentimental (we aren’t generally that kind of family) and not too ‘stiff upper lip’ either. Everyone commented on what a lovely service it was. All in all, it couldn’t have gone any better. We consider ourselves very lucky that it was you who officiated at the service for us. With heartfelt gratitude”

Alison Podlasiuk and family, Irlam, Salford

“Thanks, that was really lovely.” M.O, Harperhey, Manchester

“Hello Debbie, I just wanted to give you heartfelt thanks for yesterday and all you did to make it so special. It really did seem a loving celebration. Everyone there felt that too.” L.T, Chorlton, Manchester

“Organising a funeral is never easy and when you want someone to help, you would want Debbie to be the person to do it. For someone to be so calm and open is a real comfort. Someone who has the ability to understand and make someone’s life real meant a lot to our family and friends at the service. What was a sad day was truly made wonderful by Debbie’s service, consultation, and thoughtfulness.” Lisa and David, Chorlton, Manchester

“Debbie’s warmth and authenticity created a really beautiful and moving funeral service for B’s family – L, my brother D, R and friends. Debbie is a gifted celebrant, who in a calm and loving way, was able to speak from the heart and with such humanity about B, describing her life and personality so effectively. Her thoughtful words about B and her genuine care for the family were so comforting. I was unsure of how I would feel experiencing a non-traditional funeral, but I found Debbie to be inclusive and welcoming to all – inviting people of faith to say the Lord’s prayer and giving time for prayer for those who chose to pray, and a time of reflection for those who chose not to. It was the most inclusive and touching service I have been to. Thank you Debbie. With appreciation….” L.G, Chorlton, Manchester

“That was wonderful! So natural. It was as if you’d known him. Thank you so much.” F.G, Urmston, Greater Manchester

“Your words are lovely and brought a tear to my eyes when I read them. It would be very kind of you to send me a copy of the service. I will treasure that very much and I thank you from the bottom of my heart for all your input and kindness during this very difficult time.” K. H, Chester, Cheshire

"I am one of Maggie's friends. I wanted to thank you for your excellent conducting of her funeral and memorial service. I was very impressed by your confident but gentle conducting of both services.

You got the tone just right. I have been to many other funerals but no-one before has made me feel so comforted. I'm sure Maggie would have liked it and all her friends appreciated the relaxed delivery on such difficult occasions. I have already recommended you to several other friends but hope we won't be needing you in the near future! Best wishes"
Sue S, Manchester

"Debbie was so warm and kind and turned planning my friend’s funeral service from what I thought might be a difficult and stressful process into an unexpectedly positive and life-affirming experience. We were probably still in shock when Debbie first came to talk with us, and she helped us to find our way by carefully listening, encouraging and making sensible and sensitive suggestions, with no pressure and no shying away from difficult or painful issues. I felt in safe hands. Debbie continued to show the same care and unhurried support through the writing and re-writing of the service, helping us choose poems and music, and generally getting the detail just right.

The service was really moving and engaging, reflecting the life and personality of our friend in all its complexity, while sensitively taking in the different experiences and feelings of the people there. For me, it became a very significant step towards re-engaging with an open heart with a world that had irrevocably changed. I’d recommend Debbie to anyone, and in fact, I already have!"

Hilary, Chorlton, Manchester

"Debbie was the perfect celebrant for the memorial and funeral. Her calm and gentle presence and her expertise made the planning of the event so much easier, and surprisingly quite enjoyable. Her creative ideas for the memorial were pitched just right and helped form a very bespoke and individual event that our dear late friend, Maggie, would have loved, and an event that very well represented and celebrated Maggie for the wonderfully unique and strong woman she was. Without having ever met Maggie, Debbie effortlessly seemed to grasp who she was and her complexities. After the memorial, I received so many comments on what a beautiful, warm and comforting event it was and in particular on the way in which Debbie held the space for us all. It was a great evening and just the best send off for our well-loved friend. " Lucy Williams, Hulme, Manchester

"Hi Debbie, You did such a great job yesterday. Everyone I talked to, family and friends, said so.

It was complicated with so many different people involved, so many sensitive things to think about and, of course, no hope of there feeling like there was enough time.

You managed all this not only on the day but also with so much communication behind the scenes in preceding weeks. I imagine you often would have just one family to work with but, for yesterday, you had a large family and many close friends too.

At the end of the day, we thought our lovely friend got the funeral she hoped for and asked for and that will make a difference to many people for always in thinking about her.

You managed to help us all achieve this with great kindness and consideration which was such a support in difficult times.

Kindest regards"

Sally May, Brighton

"Thanks for your email and kind words Debbie.

It was lovely to work with you too. You’re right, you have found your calling.

The family really took to you as I hoped they would and the service was perfect.

I do hope we get to work together again soon.”

Kindest regards

Paula Huber, Funeral Director, Cherry Blossom Funerals, Wigan

"Debbie, I just wanted to say a huge thank you again for such a lovely service .... it was perfect in every way.

Everyone I have spoken with commented on how good it was and how much they enjoyed it (if 'enjoyed' is the right word to use).You painted the exact picture of Peter and even I learned things about him today that I didn't know.

Anyway, thank you and thank you for giving me a script; that really was thoughtful of you and I really appreciate it.

Sorry it was under such sad circumstances but it was really good to meet you.

Best wishes,"

Wendy Molyneux, Warrington

"In all my 3 years working in the funeral industry, I can honestly say that I have never experienced such a heartfelt, personal and beautiful ceremony as this. The family were very lucky to have found you."

David Aspin, Cheshire

"Hello Debbie

Now we have had time to adjust, and to reflect I want to thank you on behalf of all of us for being part of mum's celebration. It was a truly beautiful service that we are still talking about.

I was so glad I trusted my 'instinct' and gave you a call. I felt an instant connection to you - and the whole process of defining mum's service was like planning a party with an old friend. Your words captured exactly the tone we wanted for the service and you tied all those emotional moments together with such calm respect for my mum. There was an amazing bond of love in the room for her and I was so glad that you could be part of that. So many friends and family have said what a beautiful day it was and that it was so perfect for mum, I think it made saying goodbye much more intimate and special."

L.M, North Wales

"That was a splendid service. You were spot-on. She was a great girl. You'd obviously done your research. It was perfect for her, thank you."

Jim Whitby, Sale, Manchester

"I just wanted to say thank you so much Debbie for being the Celebrant at our mum's funeral.

It was such an individual and caring service from you .... from when you came to our home and you invited us to reminisce about our mum's life and happy times, to standing in front of our loved ones in the Chapel reading a poem my sister had written.

Everyone commented afterwards on how lovely you were and your light and warmth.

You did mum proud, and we couldn't ask you for any more, so thank you again ...."

The Bridges Family, Manchester & London

"Debbie, It was lovely to meet you, you lit up the room and it was nice we could reflect on happier times. Thank you.

All the celebrants on the list sounded good but I chose you on 'gut instinct' and I'm so glad because you seem perfect.

W.B, Sale, Manchester

"Debbie, Many thanks for the really dignified, rich and lovely ceremony that you coordinated. In such tragic circumstances, it was important that someone like yourself was able to hold the fort and keep everyone together. I do hope we can speak again in the future....

.....Where feelings are raw, wounds are open and the loss is profound, I found Debbie to really bring people together and make the funeral into a celebration in a really kind, articulate and understanding way. These events are unfathomable to those who are close, and frightening to those who attend, but I’m so reassured that there are people like Debbie to guide the ship in a storm.

I recommend Debbie without reservation.”

Hasip Mahir, London

"Thank you so much, Debbie. You are one special person. I can't believe how you've written this so well. It's amazing. We've been in tears. It's just perfect, thank you."

S.S, Middleton, Greater Manchester

"Thank you Debbie, for such a lovely and celebratory service you did for my mum Nora and her family in June. You were so beautifully present and supportive for everyone, I wouldn't have wanted anything to be the slightest bit different to how it went on the day and I think I speak for mum too. You were a very special gift to our family that day.... Thank you."

John Dixon, London

"Debbie, it’s with heartfelt thanks that I write this testimonial.

We could not have chosen anyone better who could have conducted my mum’s service and celebration of her life. You brought the tributes from my siblings and myself to life and you created such a special atmosphere of calmness and love through your delivery, your words and your presence. The time spent with us, your attention to detail and understanding of mum’s character were outstanding and many people commented on the quality of the service. My mum would definitely have approved of how you made her the ‘star of the show’, especially using the recordings of her as you did. Even the funeral director remarked that it was one of the loveliest she had witnessed.

Sending a copy of the ceremony to my step dad as a final touch was very touching, and reflects the care and dedication you put into every aspect of the whole funeral. Thank you."

Lee, Ramsbottom

“Dear Debbie, I just wanted to thank you for all you did today, and leading up today. Everyone found the service very fitting just the right tone and sense of intimacy. Some people have asked me where we found you :) (I will pass on details).I am sure my friend would have wholeheartedly approved of how stylish but quirky everything was. So individual. So personal. Thank you. Very best wishes, Tamsin” Tamsin Crothers, Wigan

" I've had lots of comments from family about the funeral how beautiful and sensitive it was and so my brother.

My father and my brother thought it was great and they couldn't believe the amount of people that come to say farewell to S and how lovely you were throughout the whole thing. I will recommend you to anyone who asks about a celebrant to perform a funeral.

Thank you once again for your valuable time.” M.R. Winchester

“ Thank you Debbie for providing such a sensitive and heart felt send off for our dear friend.Your preparations with the family and friends was delicate and yet thorough, you left nothing out and therefore everyone felt included and empowered by your eulogy, quite a feat. You treated the participants of our ceremony with respect and therefore our friend was truly honoured, while keeping to the time schedule. Thank you so much for being such an amazingly perfect celebrant for us all.”

Charlotte Lang,Winchester

"Debbie was the celebrant for the alternative, humanist funeral of a dear friend of ours and she did an absolutely fantastic job!

Her warm, serene demeanour put us all at ease straight away, and she had an excellent assertive but gentle grasp of the proceedings that gave us all a sense of relief in knowing that our loved one’s final wishes were being honoured and we were free to grieve without worrying about the logistics of the ceremony.

The service that Debbie provided us was invaluable and although it was obviously a sad and emotional time, we all came away with some very precious memories of moments of light throughout the service on what could have otherwise been an extremely dark day. We really couldn’t have asked for more! Thank you so much! "

Alex Lewis, Withington, Manchester

"Dear Debbie, thank you so much for all you did to help make yesterday a, bizarrely, sad yet lovely day. You gave Mum a wonderful service and it was a great way to say goodbye to her. Thanks again. Take care."

Bernard Kelly, Firswood, Trafford

"Thank you, Debbie. It was such a fantastic service. That's how they should be! I've never before heard anyone capture someone so perfectly."

Anonymity preferred, Manchester

"Just perfect today.

Thank you so much. Everyone said it was lovely & personable.

You were very professional & sensitive. A lovely person. No one could have done it better. Once again, thank you so much."

Jane Philpott, Stockport.

"Thank you so much Debbie. It was lovely to meet you. Thank you for your part in making it a beautiful farewell. Everyone loved the service and thought you delivered it beautifully You have a lovely speaking voice and made it very personal and friendly.

Sarah M, Garstang

"Everyone has said how lovely your delivery was yesterday, warm and courteous yet professionally given. They also wondered if you “knew” Mum? A compliment to you, I’m sure you’ll agree.

We thank you wholeheartedly for making a miserable, sad day into what turned out to be a lovely, warm and happy afternoon.

Warmest wishes to you, and good luck for the future in this - your (well chosen) career.

Eileen and Steve x

PS. A few of my friends have already said that they would like You to do to their Funeral Service!"

Eileen Rigby, Wigan

"Debbie, thank you for such a lovely and fitting service. It was lovely to meet up, even under the sad circumstances. We would definitely recommend you, if ever any of our friends come to need such a service. It was like you knew her as well.

We have had so many messages saying what a lovely service you gave, and that it was L to a tee.

Thanks again"

Wayne and Bernie, Bolton

"The beautiful words you said at Maggie’s funeral were perfect and so comforting.

Debbie, thank you so much your care. The attention to detail was sublime.

You were fantastic!

If ever we (or anyone) finds themselves in the same predicament, we would not hesitate to recommend you.

Kind regards”

Stephen and Paul, Colne

"Hi Debbie,

Thanks for all your work.

It made yesterday bearable and we all got through it because of your preparation and experience."

Phil Nield, Altrincham

“Dear Debbie,

Thank you so much for everything. You have been friendly, warm and interested, and so supportive. The service for mum was perfect, with just the right amount of reverence.

I will be recommending you to everyone I am in contact with.

If there had been chance to introduce you to mum, I know she would have liked you very much. I do wish you could have met her.

Linda Martin, Altrincham

"Thanks, Debbie.

We got very positive feedback about the service. People commented on the positive tone you set and felt that you encapsulated my Dad perfectly.

So again, many thanks.”

Bev McGowan, Manchester

“We had lots of comments about you and people asking how we had found you! All very positive.

We would like thank you for your efforts, Debbie. The service was perfect and mum would have liked it. I won't have any hesitation in recommending you to anyone in our position.

Thanks."

Nigel Peacock, Timperley, Cheshire

“Dear Debbie,

We would like to send you our sincere thanks for your guidance and professional service during our sad time.

It was really lovely meeting you and it really helped on the day of Mum’s funeral to know her service was in good hands.

You listened to what we said and picked up points and relayed it beautifully.

Thank you and kind regards”

Julie and Wendy, Manchester

"Hi Debbie,

All my family and I, We're Really Pleased With How You Conducted My Mum's Funeral.

It Was So Professional & It Was An Honour To Have Met You & Been In Your Company.

You Made Me & Everybody Else So Relaxed & Comfortable.

Once Again, Thank You So Much.."

Lee & All The Family. Blackley, Manchester

"Hi Debbie

It was a perfect farewell for my father conducted by yourself. Everyone said the same . You have a great natural vibe about you.

Thanks again"

Matt, St Helen’s.

"Hi Debbie,

Many thanks for your kind words and the copy of Ken's funeral ceremony.

I was delighted with your presentation of Ken's life. It summed him up so well. Many people commented that the delivery of the ceremony enabled them to recall happy memories of Ken, rather than the sadness of his death.

Ken lived life to the full and as a family, we are going to continue to remember the happy times, but live our lives to the full as he would have wanted.

From all the family and friends many thanks to you for your friendly and professional way you conducted the ceremony."

Kind regards Chris, Andrew & family, Timperley, Greater Manchester

"Hello Debbie, thank you so much for a wonderful service yesterday. Family and friends said how lovely it was and how beautifully you delivered the service.

Many thanks for emailing an electronic copy of the ceremony. I’ll definitely be sharing it with family and friends who were unable to attend.

I hope this helps other families to choose you to lead a funeral service as they really couldn’t find anyone better.

All the best.

Kind regards"

S. M. London

"Thank you very much, Debbie, for making today so bearable and special. I think Dad would have been happy with everything we did and the turnout, given many of his close friends have sadly predeceased him.

Everyone said how fitting the words were and enjoyed seeing the photos.

Thank you also for the copy of the ceremony.”

Diane Lucas, Altrincham, Cheshire

“Thanks very much for this. Really touching and beautiful. Lovely to meet you this morning. Once again, thank you. You’re such a lovely person. Look after yourself. “

Julie Twist, Wigan

"Thank you to you, Debbie. I don't think we could have had a better goodbye for S.

It was the best funeral for a child that I have been to, and sadly I have been to several.”

Headteacher, Anonymity preferred, Lancs

“Thank you so much. I know it’s your job but this was still an incredible thing you did for us and we couldn’t be happier we found you.

Your words for the ceremony were beautiful and perfect. Thank you again”

Anonymity preferred. Lancs.

Thank you so much Debbie, for delivering a beautiful ceremony but also for being so lovely, caring and understanding. You made this impossible task more bearable.

Nicola Williams, North Wales

"Debbie,
You are brilliant at what you do, you were brilliant today. You held everyone's needs and feelings, and held your integrity."

Carol Donaldson, Manchester

"I had so many positive comments about the ceremony and the eulogy yesterday and have to say that I thought it went perfectly. Thank you so much again for the care and attention to detail that you put in to make that possible. It was a delight to meet you too - despite the sad circumstance.

Many of the comments that I received were that people simply didn't know half of the facts about my Dad's life that were in the eulogy. Even my own siblings! So this is a lovely keepsake to be able to pass on within the family to keep his memory and achievements alive and I cannot thank you enough.

I wish you well for the future and perhaps our paths will cross again for less sombre reasons."

Stephen Fricker, Middleton, Manchester

"Thank you so much for the whole beautiful ceremony. We achieved exactly what we wanted, which was to celebrate Chris's life in a way of which I think he would have approved. With music and laughter and audience participation. You really made a horrible day so much easier and I really can't thank you enough."

Stephanie McGough, Altrincham, Cheshire

“It's been a cathartic pleasure working with you Debbie; thanks for taking the time and effort to involve me so often.

I'd particularly like to thank you for the comfort, attention and humanity you have shown in the preparation and the conducting of this ceremony.

Thanks again. You helped bring some light into a dark period."

Barry and Jean. Sale, Cheshire.

"Thanks for this copy of the service - I will share it with the family. Also, many thanks for Friday. You made a difficult day feel much less so. (If that makes sense)!

I think we did Mum proud and she would have enjoyed listening to your account of her life - and seeing all her family in one place."

Gill Vasey, Altrincham, Cheshire.

"Thank you so much for sending the script of Mum's ceremony. I will definitely print it and keep it with other memories of Mum.
It was a lovely and perfect farewell for a very beautiful and unique lady and I thank you so much for expediting it with such empathy. Everybody was very complimentary afterwards about how well you conducted the ceremony."

Joy Tattersall, Cheshire

“I’d been meaning to thank you for such a wonderful service but found I was struggling to put it all into words!

The ceremony you helped plan and delivered for Dave was so beautiful, it was personal, meaningful and a positive celebration of the life he lived and all those who were part of it. So many people came away feeling uplifted, and confused that they had laughed during a funeral and enjoyed the experience!

A lot of people said they would like you to be the Celebrant their funeral and it certainly made a lot of people question the traditional approaches at funerals.... which I know Dave would have been very pleased about too!

I also felt proud of mum and me and the team we made with you, it was lovely at the end of the service when you said it had been all of us that made it happen. I hadn't thought of it like that but I guess we did contribute a lot of time and energy to ensuring Dave had the kind of send-off he wanted under pretty difficult circumstances.

It was an absolute pleasure to work with you and I'm so very thankful that we had you!

Thank you for just being you Debbie, you are so skilled at what you do.

Death is a time that often gets neglected and left to unsuitable traditions, for those that don't want that, you are giving choice and meaning in such an important way.

Lou Bosanquet, Llangollen, North Wales

"Thank you for supporting us and giving such a heartfelt service, it was very personal and we feel very lucky to have been put in touch with you. In fact, so many of our friends and relatives also said that it was one of the best services that they had been part of. So once again, thank you.”

Pauline, Trafford, Manchester

“Everyone I spoke to said how much they enjoyed David’s service, and how they would like to have the same when it was their time, it was uplifting and all about Daves life, which is how it should be! They’ve said how well you conducted the service and on such a personal level too, it was good that you’d met with Dave, and got to know his character! Once again a massive big thank you.”

Debbie Moore, Llangollen, North Wales

"I contacted Debbie after my mum in law had passed, & the funeral director could not find a minister. I had not heard about funeral celebrants before, but on reading her webpage, she seemed ideal for our celebration of Mum's life.

I'm so glad I found Debbie, because she was perfect in her role of celebrant.

She took the time to find out all about Mum and so she led the service with care & professional confidence.

She made the suggestion of offering a contact juggler, who actually performed to a piece of music connected to Mum. I found it to be a beautiful, meditative performance."

Warm wishes, Lorraine Balfe, Stockport

"Hi Debbie

Firstly let me thank you for the copy of today’s service. I / we appreciate it.

Most importantly, I want to thank you on behalf of the family for presenting such a beautiful and sincere service, your voice was a calming influence and deeply engaging. We truly couldn’t have asked for more.
It really was a beautiful presentation and representation of our mum.

Thank you doesn’t say how I feel, but I do feel eternally grateful for all your time, love and care you have given to us as a family and to our mum's memory.
I wish you well and a blessed future,
Best wishes"

Steve Balfe, Stockport