March 2024
“One of the many tributes we have received about your leadership and guidance of our event.
You were quite wonderful in your quiet management of the people and the space.
Thank you so very much. “
Lionel Joyce, Newcastle
“Thank you. You delivered such a beautiful service. Your energy was incredibly calm and steady throughout. You were absolutely the right person for the job.
The way you facilitated it all was fabulous. Thank you so much. It felt like a really special event and I’m very proud of everyone who made it happen.
Many people have said how great you were.
Really…it was so special. Thank you thank you thank you.”
Rozzie Joyce, Newcastle
February 2024
“Thank you Debbie for your excellent delivery of the Service today.
Also for thoughtfully offering us a written record of it.”
Best Wishes
John Steward, Bramhall, Cheshire
November 2023
“Thanks Debbie thank you for everything you did yesterday it was a really, really lovely service. I couldn’t have asked for anything better.”
Nicola Hallett, Sale, Cheshire
October 2023
“Apologies for the overdue contact regarding your most helpful support as we arranged Stephen’s funeral service. Your prompt and meaningful responses were greatly appreciated, as was your wonderful guidance and appreciation of our difficulties, in the time between the sad and sudden death of my beloved son and his funeral date. Your interpretation of our needs and your gentle delivery, exactly matched our wishes as we followed our hearts to provide a service that truly reflected Stephen’s life.
Thank you so very much.”
Sincerely,
Clifford Lomas, Cadishead, Salford
September 2023
“Thanks again for doing such a great job yesterday. You did Alina proud and I’m very grateful.”
all the best,
Chris Hunter, Bramhall, Cheshire
June 2023
“Thank you for yesterday’s service. Everyone commented on how they enjoyed it. Thank you for the copy you sent.”
Regards
Mo Crooks, Timperley
May 2023
“Thank you so much for the service script. It will be lovely to look back and reflect on the day through it.
Thank you also for your lovely words and reflections on the day. I’m so glad you could be a part of it, I think you were the perfect celebrant for Martin and ourselves, Debbie, and it felt so fortuitous that you were available. I loved the way you delivered the speech with such clarity and positivity to convey our feelings about our lovely Martin.
I am so happy with how the whole day was planned and how it ran so smoothly with all the touches that personalised it for Martin. I think the general feeling from everyone was a good one.
Thanks again”
Samantha, Todmorden, West Yorkshire
“Thank you for helping us make the service so special, memorable and personal.
I can’t thank you enough for saying the words just as I’d hoped they would be said.
With very best wishes”
Naomi, Manchester
April 2023
“Thank you for your kind words and for the attachment. I will enjoy reading over it again and will send it to some of Mike’s family and friends who might like to revisit the tributes.
Thank you too for your help on the day and in the weeks preceding Mike’s funeral. You set exactly the right tone yesterday and gave us invaluable advice at our meeting. We felt that you were just right to enable us to give Mike the funeral we wanted to and your use of your word honour was exactly what we wanted to do.
Thank you again.”
Liz and family, Sale, Cheshire
“I just wanted to say Debbie how much I appreciated your presence at, and contribution to, my husband’s funeral. So many people have said how they thought it did justice to Howard and what a beautiful person centred service it was. The time you spent with us beforehand meant we had no worries about anything and your calm gentle delivery was everything we could have wanted.
Once again many thanks from all the family for being a part of our farewell to Howard.
Best wishes”
Janet, Warrington
“Thank you to you Debbie for delivering the service so beautifully. Lots of people said how lovely you were.
I think my Mum would have approved of what we did. It was a very emotional day but I get comfort that she is at peace now.
I’ll miss her dreadfully but she had a lovely send off.
Thank you very much again.”
Diane Lucas, Timperley, Cheshire
March 2023
“You were amazing!!
Everyone said what a beautiful celebration it was.
Your words from beginning to end were perfect. It was always going to be sad, but it was sad in a good way. He would have been very proud of all his lovely family.
We went on to the club in Timperley, where along with many friends, and relatives from Cornwall and Essex, celebrated dad’s life!!
Thanks again for your kindness and compassion, it was greatly appreciated by us both.”
Lindsey & Tracey, Altrincham
“Thank you so much for the celebration of David’s life today, it was lovely. We had so many comments about the service and your delivery today. Betty was so pleased it went so well. Many thanks.”
Dave and Lynn Brumby, Altrincham
February 2023
“Many thanks for your gentle and able companionship, as you helped my family and I, to steer through our difficult sudden loss of Colin. Our lengthy journey towards his funeral was greatly helped by your genuine guidance.
Many thanks for the addition and completion of ‘Colin’s Ceremony Keepsake copy’, which was made complete, by the inclusion of John’s valued words.
We wish you well in your endeavours,
Yours sincerely”
Pauline, Pam and Carla, Cadishead, Salford
“Neil and I were both pleased you were our celebrant at Dad’s funeral service today. Everyone said you did a wonderful job. We were really pleased and grateful for this and for your support.”
Warmest regards
Keith Barron, Chorley
“Thank you so much for yesterday. We couldn’t have asked for a better person to help us say goodbye to our lovely Dad.
Everyone commented on how fitting the ceremony was and how much Dad would have liked it. A few people also mentioned to me that they loved the fact that it was so personal and that your tribute contained so many interesting facts about him. It painted a vivid picture of who he was as a person and you definitely captured his gentle and gentleman spirit.
Thank you for being part of what was a special day and for making it as easy as possible for us, his loved ones, to say a proper sorrowful farewell to a beloved man.
You were a fantastic celebrant for us. Our Aunty even said today that a few people mentioned to her they were rethinking their own funeral plans given how personal Dad’s was.
Thanks very much”
Lyndsey, Steve and Ember, Cheshire
“Thank you so much for the script, I will print it and let my Sisters have a copy. Everybody thought it was a lovely service and just what Mum would have wanted.”
Linda and Roy Tomkinson, Timperley, Cheshire
January 2023
“Thank you so much. We will all cherish this momento.
You definitely made the painful process of creating and conducting mum’s funeral service far less stressful than it could have been.
Your words were beautiful and covered all people’s faiths, linking the service together in just the right way.
You have certainly chosen a career path to which you are suited. You will be a great comfort to many people as you were to all of us.
Thanks again
Best wishes”
Gill and David. Jon and Anne, Timperley
“Many thanks for your kind words & sentiments, and thanks again also for conducting our service so perfectly for us on Thursday.
It is a beautiful spot and thankfully the weather too was very kind to us. It was a lovely day & we couldn’t have said farewell and to celebrate Lorraine’s life in any better way.
Thank you for the keepsake copy. Although I hope it is some considerable time before our paths may cross again (!), I would contact you in an instant if I was in a position to engage a celebrant again. All the best for the future.”
Kind regards
D. H. , Bolton
“Thank you so much you did such a beautiful job and I will never forget your kindness.
I would recommend you to anybody. You made such a painful process much more bearable ”
Clair Hudson, Tameside
December 2022
“Thanks so much for all your input for dad’s funeral. It was lovely that I had a connection with you but my sisters immediately warmed to you when we all met you before the funeral.
You did a great job on the day and a number of people said how good you were 🙂. The service couldn’t have gone better and the reception afterwards was very heart warming.
Best wishes”
Kath Fernie, Manchester
“Thanks Debbie. We all thought you did a wonderful job and everything went perfectly.”
Jane Fernie and family, Altrincham
“Thank you for the keepsake it is something we will treasure.
Thank you again for such a wonderful, humorous and emotional service, it was absolutely perfect for my dad.
Regards”
Robert, Timperley
November 2022
“Thank you for your lovely words about Ken. Friends of his who were there all said how they enjoyed listening to you and what a lovely service it was.”
Debbie König, Knutsford
“The service was lovely and the way you spoke and represented Sharon was amazing. I’m so proud of how it all turned out, so thank you so much from the bottom of my heart. I’m also really grateful for the attachment. I will most definitely print this out and put this in Sharon’s memory book. I truly can’t thank you enough for yesterday. “
Jackie , Blackpool
October 2022
“I want to thank you SO much for your presentation. So many people came up to me to say how good it was. Your delivery is really smooth and heartfelt.”
Rosemary, Cheshire
“Thank you so much for conducting a beautiful service for Javier and all of us. As always, your words and calm delivery were a fitting tribute to a truly remarkable man who will be forever missed but never forgotten.”
Martin, Andrea, Alejandra, Isabel and family and friends. Liverpool.
September 2022
“A big thank you for making today much easier for us all.”
Ross Willard, Cheshire
June 2022
“Thanks so much.
It was a lovely day and everybody said the ceremony was beautiful. There were tears but much more laughter.
Thank you again for helping us out at this time, we really appreciated how much easier you made everything.
Kind regards”
Kate Fairhurst
“Thank you again for carrying out the service yesterday, which was delivered perfectly. x
we found it very comforting , sensitive and personal.
Thank you for sending the script , which I will keep.
Wishing you all the best, take care”
Marilyn, Market Harborough
“Just want to say a very big thank you for the service on Wednesday. We had so many lovely compliments which lifted us so much.
You read the service so nicely and mum’s spirit really did come across well.
Thanks once again for all of your help”
Julie Shaw, Altrincham
February 2022
“Thank you for leading my mum’s service and for sending the ‘script’.
It was a lovely service and captured the essence of my mum. I had lots of positive feedback from relatives and friends. In particular, they praised your warmth. I hope you are able to bring comfort to other families.
Very kind regards”
Bev McGowan, Manchester
“We think you did a fantastic job. The feedback from everyone present was really positive.
Sue would have loved it.”
Charles Harding, Hale, Cheshire
January 2022
“Thank you so much for your email, the lovely words, the keepsake script, and particularly all your help and support with planning and carrying out the ceremony. We were really pleased with how it went, and had lots of lovely comments from people who came to celebrate and honour dad with us.
Thanks again, and very best wishes”
Karen Leonard, Cheshire
“We would like to thank you for leading mum’s funeral service yesterday. Your comforting and warm manner greatly helped us through a difficult day. It is very difficult to imagine how the written word and any amount of planning will come over on the day but we were very happy with the service which in a large part was due to your professionalism and all the support and help you gave us.
Everyone liked the service and it was certainly “very Doreen”.
Once again many thanks
All best wishes”
Chris and Caroline, Sale, Cheshire
“It was nice to meet you and thank you once again for your lovely service, everyone said to me afterwards that it was fantastic and just right. I’m sure Mum would have been pleased!
All the best and take care.”
Jane Watson, Cheshire
“Thank you so much for yesterday and for putting together such a lovely service for us.
It was exactly what we wanted and everyone who attended commented on how good it was, and they could picture dad from the words. It made a sad day so much easier.
Deepest thanks”
Den, Sue and Ally, Manchester
“Thank you for the keepsake and for your wonderful presence and service yesterday. You made it very special for us all.”
Lauren and Ross Goodwin, Cheshire
December 2021
“Thanks for a great service yesterday. We think you did Dad proud, it was just as he had requested. Best regards”
Preferred to remain anonymous. Cheshire
“Thank you so much for the beautiful ceremony yesterday for Mum. It was everything I hoped it would be and the lovely comments we have had from family and friends reflect the same.
I have forwarded the written words to family and friends who couldn’t be there, such a nice idea, it makes them, and us, feel like they were part of the day too.
Wishing you and your family best wishes and happy times during the Christmas time and future, I will never forget the part you played in us saying farewell to our Mum.”
Mandy Price, Cheshire
“I want to thank you so much for yesterday’s service for Mum. It was all we hoped for and more.
Without exception, everyone who spoke to us said what a beautiful service it was and were full of praise for you. Everything you said and the way you said it gave us a feeling of peace and gratitude. I will never forget you and the amazing way you delivered the service.
Thank you again Debbie, you made the day very special. Thank you also for the transcripts of the service which I know people will be happy to receive.”
Sue Lane, Cheshire
“Thank you for the service yesterday. You were very professional, had a lovely manner and came across beautifully. Everyone commented on how lovely you were and what a lovely service it was.”
Preferred to stay anonymous, Cheshire
“Thank you for today, you did a fantastic job and having spent the afternoon with Mum’s siblings, they absolutely loved it and felt that everything was exactly as she would have wanted – even dare I say the slightly odd choice of music! A great chance for people to remember her in the way she would have liked.
Thanks again”
Neil Dickens, York.
November 2021
“Just wanted to say “Thank You” for yesterday, you did us proud. So many people who attended said what a lovely service it was.
Thank you also for the script you used, between us we did a good job in paying tribute to my mum (and Brother).”
Dave & Gill. Timperley, Cheshire
“Thanks so much it was a wonderful service everyone agreed and thought you were wonderful.
It was perfect. The farewell words were just on point.
Aunty Jean would have loved it all, no doubt she was watching wherever her, Bob and my dad are now..
If I ever need you again I know how to contact you.
Many many thanks”
Nicola ❤️
“Thankyou for a very special service for our Mum, Mum in law and Grandma.
Jane would have loved her ‘do’ , no one can take away the sorrow but it helps knowing that she got the send off she deserved.
I’m sure that she was looking down on us with a huge smile on her face.
Thank you”
Ryan, Helen, Stephen, Lucy, Sam ,Christian. Altrincham.
“Debbie, myself and Sally would like to thank you for the service you gave at Beryls funeral. At Manchester Crematorium.
We have had numerous calls from the people who attended the funeral, all saying how special you made it. Thank you once again and we will gladly recommend your services as a Celebrant.”
George and Sally Gravell. Hyde
“Thankyou so much for yesterday Debbie, you did our dad proud.
Your words were so lovely and many of my friends said how nice the service was.
Thankyou for the keepsake script.
Any other family who has you as a celebrant are very honoured.”
Sandra Jones, Sale, Cheshire
“Oh Debbie you were amazing and thanks to you, I was able to speak for my wonderful Dad. Your energy kept me as calm as I could be and I think Dad would be so proud of the send off we gave him.
Everyone (and I mean everyone) absolutely loved the service and thought you were incredible. You were definitely meant to be a ‘celebrant’ Debbie.”
Julie Horsfield, Cheshire.
“Many thanks for the copy of Dad’s funeral script which I will share with family who couldn’t attend.
Thank you again for the lovely service which was everything we hoped for and more, plus your help at this difficult time.
One of Dad’s carers managed to attend which was lovely.
Yours”
Belinda, London
October 2021
“The eulogy and your delivery were absolutely excellent everyone commented how lovely the service was. Your calmness was a great help on a difficult day.
Paul and I will treasure the keepsake of the script.
Many thanks once again.
Warm regards”
Janet and Paul, Cheshire
“We just wanted to say a huge thank you for being the Celebrant at my Dad’s funeral. We had so many people come up to us and say how wonderful you were in the way you delivered it.
You absolutely did our Dad justice in the way you talked about his life. We felt it was a true celebration of his life which is we wanted.
Thank you so much from us all.
With best wishes”
Siân, Sale, Cheshire
“It was such a wonderful service. I couldn’t help but want to look at you and listen to everything you were saying.”
Preferred to remain anonymous
“It was a very special service, a beautiful celebration of dads life.
Thank you so much.”
Caroline Hepple, Altrincham
“Thankyou very much for today.
We very much appreciate all you did to put together such a lovely service.”
Chris Stevenson, Altrincham
“Thank you for your kind words.
It has been an awful time for us as a family over the past few weeks.
Your care and professionalism at this time has been greatly appreciated. Although we met as strangers a very short while ago, we will always have warm memories of you and the way you helped us through this very tragic time.”
Preferred to remain anonymous. Cheshire.
September 2021
“Many thanks indeed for the keepsake copy of the service, it is a lovely thing to have and very much appreciated, thank you.
Thank you too for the way you conducted the service it was calming, reassuring and delivered with great dignity, thank you.”
Norman Kerr
“It was lovely to meet you, Debbie, and the service was absolutely perfect, I couldn’t have asked for it to go any better.
Thanks again”
Sharron Ford, Timperley
“Thank you so much for helping us to celebrate our mother’s life, in such a professional and personal way. Friends and family commented on how lovely the service was.
And thank you for the keepsake.”
Kim Stevenson, Knutsford
“Thank you so much for your role in creating a wonderful celebration of M’s life. Many people commented to me how they liked your style and presence. M would have loved it!
With very best wishes, I found working with you (even over zoom) – very comfortable.”
PW, Sheffield
April 2021
“Thank you so much for officiating at our son’s funeral yesterday.
We have re-read the words of the service today and realised how much of what we wanted to say about him was expressed. It was exactly what we thought he would have wanted us to recognise in his life. We have realised how important the funeral is as part of the grieving process and feel that he would have approved.
We have received messages from people attending and those viewing to say what a beautiful and fitting tribute to our son the service was. Thank you for working with us so closely to make that happen.
With our thanks and warmest regards”
Anon, Cheshire
“Thanks so much Debbie, it was such a lovely service. Everything went so well and the weather was beautiful.”
Sue Mills, Timperley
“Debbie, you are a talented lady with the very comforting way you deal with bereaved people. I was singing your praises as you were so gentle with your delivery, it calmed me down after a frenetic week of moving house and the funeral. I would not hesitate to recommend you to friends etc.”
Lorraine Deeney, Altrincham
March 2021
“I just wanted to say a massive thank you for yesterday. I was very anxious about the day, but it was beautiful. Just perfect. My nerves disappeared as soon as I stood up to talk about my fabulous dad, and that was in part down to your words prior.
The way you spoke, and the things you spoke about brought my dad to life for the briefest time. It was a magical day.
Thank you again Debbie for your encouragement and support both before and during the service.”
Sarah Marles, Altrincham
“Many, many thanks for the wonderful service on Friday. Everyone was incredibly pleased with it. I have found the process of the funeral very helpful in accepting the losses a little more although am aware that it is a slow process.”
Keith Chadwick, Altrincham, Cheshire
“You and L made such a good team; I think you worked together very smoothly and my experience as the ‘client’ was just this. You both worked hard on this. Much appreciated.
Dad’s funeral just didn’t do it for me – due to COVID restrictions I found the whole affair cold and sterile. But the online ‘Celebration of Life’ did!
The online ‘Celebration of Life’ really brought dad to life and, therefore, there was a chance to emotionally grieve. So thank you.
I think many were surprised on how well the online ‘Celebration of Life’ went, and I think people recognised that that was largely down to you and how well you led it, Debbie.”
Preferred to remain anonymous. Manchester.
(Attended a ‘Celebration of Life’ online, on Zoom)
What a beautiful, moving ceremony – thank you. And lovely to see so many faces.
L. M. (Attended a ‘Celebration of Life’ online, on Zoom)
“Thank you so much for the lovely way you conducted the service. I felt it went very well and had a positive tone. I thought you wrote a beautiful tribute and it brought to mind many good memories.
Thank you too for sending the script, I will keep it together with the Order of Service.
I really enjoyed meeting you Debbie, notwithstanding the circumstances.
Many thanks once again and take care.”
Deborah Pettipher, Hertfordshire
“I cannot thank you enough for Wednesday itself and all the effort you put in leading up to the service. It was so good and so many people have messaged saying how great you were and how the feel of the service was just right, and how much they learnt about mum too!”
Sarah, Manchester
“So many heartfelt thank yous for the ways you prepared us and prepared for today.
Sending warmest wishes”
Maria, Manchester
“Thank you for your kind words and support today. Thank you also for the service. You made a difficult day bearable and beautiful.
Best wishes”
Sophy, Sheffield
“I just wanted to say a really big heartfelt thank you for conducting Gill’s funeral service yesterday. I am so glad we had you. You really helped us say goodbye to Gill in a very personal and sensitive way and I feel that we gave her the send off that she deserved! I’m on my allotment just now remembering yesterday and listening to the birds here just as they were singing away yesterday in Southern cemetery and am sure they will be singing to Gill today as well
Thank you again,”
Vee, Liverpool
“Thank you for making such a thoughtful service for Gill. You are so relaxed and warm, you made us able to enjoy it and feel at ease.
It gave me great peace and sense of completion to be able to share that amazing last conversation with Gill, thank you for giving me space.
What a beautiful hopeful early spring day we had.
With thanks”
Charlotte, Peak District
“Many thanks for sending over a ‘Keepsake’.
You really did me proud on Friday, and the speech was perfect in every way.
Once again, many thanks and continue to stay safe.”
Martin Foster, Altrincham
February 2021
“My Dad personally asked Debbie for her card after he went to my aunt’s funeral. She was amazing for my aunty and amazing for my Dad. She really helped us through the most difficult time! Thank you Debbie you were amazing!!” ❤️
Lisa Meadows, Stockport
“Thank you for guiding us through this process so confidently, and for speaking so well at the service. I’m sure you’ve heard this before, but you have an extremely soothing voice that was perfect for allowing us to mourn properly.
I wish you all the best in the future.
Best wishes”
Alexander Craig, Zurich
“I would like to take this opportunity to thank you for the professional, sensitive way in which you managed and conducted the service. We have had several excellent feedback comments on the service from family and friends, which is a great testament to yourself. You made the service easier to cope with and gave me ample time to reflect about my dad, given the strange times and constraints we all had to adhere to. I believe my dad would have been pleased and comforted by the service.
Kind regards”
Ian Graham
January 2021
“Thank you so much for absolutely everything. For today’s service and also for all your communication and for being so professional. You’ve been such a huge help and so approachable at a time when people feel outside their comfort zones. I’ve really appreciated all you’ve done for us.”
Debbie Warmisham, Altrincham
December 2020
“We were all very happy with the way the service went and we had messages from attendees to say what a lovely send off it was, so thank you for all your effort to describe granny’s life in such a wonderful way. You made a very difficult process much easier for us all.”
All the best, Vedrana and family, Stockport
“Thank you for being our wonderful celebrant for Alan. We feel honoured and blessed to have been able to have you guiding us on this extremely difficult journey. Your positivity, understanding, caring, kindness and hard work has shone through.
You are a very special person who we’re grateful to have met. We will move forward remembering your inspiring words. Thank you for being there for us… just when we needed you. You’ve made our journey and Alan’s too, as peaceful as it could be; understanding, listening and gently being there for us, along this challenging way. We would definitely recommend you to anyone who finds themselves in our position, as we know that they can also trust and be inspired by you as we’ve been.
Thank you again for everything, most importantly for being able to guide ourselves, family and friends on Alan’s final journey…we truly know that Alan/we, wouldn’t have changed a thing. Take care and keep spreading your magic with your care, your smile and kindness wherever life takes you….what you have is a very, very special quality….(you were obviously put on this earth to help and guide others, as you so selflessly do).”
Debbie, Holly and Katie McAulay, Altrincham, Cheshire
“Debbie, you have done an amazing job with B’s life story and captured so much of a busy life from start to finish! B would have loved to read it!
The script you have put together is very moving , I found it quite emotional. Thank you.
Thank you for all you have done, your empathy and professionalism throughout, it was a blessing we found you!
I thank you very much, which is all I seem to say to you!”
JG, Stockport
“We really appreciate all your work, Debbie.. My motto when I was still working was “it takes a lot of complicated work to make the end product look simple”. You have helped us to do that work and I’m confident we’ll achieve the desired result with your help. Thanks for your patience and attention to detail.”
Preferred to remain anonymous. Manchester
November 2020
” Thank you so much for everything, you delivered the speech beautifully and you made a real difference to the ceremony it felt very personal as if you did know Ron so it couldn’t have been any nicer thank you. It takes a special person to write and deliver something as lovely as you did.”
Sharon and family, Shrewsbury
“Thank you so much for your work running the funeral.
It was great collaborating with you, your passion for people was clear, my mum would have been happy with the funeral and would have liked you, which is the biggest factor for me.
We had compliments after the funeral- specifically praising you and how you presented it, so it was a success according to all.
Kind regards”
S.
“When we first met Debbie we knew she was the celebrant to lead Mum’s service. She listened to our stories and included all of us in planning the ceremony. Debbie asked sensible questions about Mum in order to develop a clearer understanding of Mum’s life and what she means to us. I’ll never forget her kindness, support, patience and understanding throughout this process. I can’t speak highly enough of her.
Debbie, Thank you so much again for today.
The service for Mum was beautiful and you really captured her.”
Best wishes,
Caroline Broan, Manchester
“ Hi Debbie,
Thank you again for all you did.”
SC
“Just another thank you for yesterday’s service. Everyone commented on how relaxed and lovely it was. I really like the thought of him being with the wind and the sunshine.
Your words were calm and heart felt even though you did not know him.
Thank you for making a difficult time a little easier.”
Karen, Mark and Cassie. Altrincham, Cheshire
“The service was lovely and I really appreciate all you did – thank you!”
Kind regards
Karen, Gloucester
October 2020
“My brothers thought John had a good send off… Thanks”
Derk, Isle of Wight
“Thank you so much for sending a copy, it is much appreciated. Thank you also again for your part in leading yesterday’s Ceremony with such sensitivity. “
Marion, Manchester
September 2020
Thank you for leading R’s funeral on Monday. We were all very satisfied with the service. We felt that you were just the right person for the job and handled it very sensitively.
R’s friends, neighbours and other relatives were very glad to have a chance to say goodbye to her and several were interested to hear of her early life which they knew little about.
Thanks again for all your help.
Best wishes,
Sue, Cambridge
Thankyou Debbie for such a beautiful service. It was lovely to meet you and your kind words have helped tremendously. Thankyou once again.
Jane Bain, Manchester
Thank you again for today, you have helped us enormously on what was a very difficult and emotional day. We’ve had so many comments on what a lovely and completely fitting service you delivered. Our dad would have been delighted I’m sure.
Wishing you all the very best and hope our paths cross again in happier circumstances.
Denise Ross, Timperley, Cheshire
Debbie, that was perfect, you made it perfect. It’s a pleasure knowing you.
You made a very difficult day a little easier to bear. Thank you once again.
Take care
Julie Jarvis, Greater Manchester
July 2020
“Thank you for sending this keepsake, Debbie. Everyone said that it was a lovely service and it felt like a fitting send-off for our dad. Thank you for your contribution towards that.”
J. M. , Didsbury, Manchester
“Dear Debbie,
First of all, a huge thank you for yesterday. I’m sure that Gordon would have been very happy with everything.
I’ve had so many lovely messages by text and on the Granada Facebook page saying what a moving and dignified service it was and how beautifully you led it.
Thank you, also, for the copy of the script, a precious keepsake.
Your sensitivity and support at this sad time have been a great comfort.
With kind wishes”
Laurie MacGregor, Timperley, Cheshire
“Hi Debbie.
Thank you so much for your amazingly comprehensive eulogy to my father.
Everyone commented (from as far away as America) on your beautifully written story of his life and your heartfelt delivery too.
You did him & us proud!
Thank you again.”
Marcus & Diane Holt and our whole family xxx
Stretford, Greater Manchester
June 2020
“Thank you so much for the lovely service today – it means a lot that she had a lovely send-off with her close family with her.”
Karen Heeney, Manchester
April 2020
“Hello Debbie,
I just want to say on behalf of me and my two daughters how much we enjoyed the funeral today. It was a fantastic service and we were so pleased with it. I even said I’d like to have you do mine!
It was just a pity not more were allowed there to hear it.
It cheered us up, it did. Thank you.”
Jack Fisher, Walkden, Salford
“Dear Debbie,
I’m writing to say ‘ Thank you’ for today. You read everything beautifully with real feeling and the smiles helped enormously.
I thought the whole funeral went well and although it was sad at times, especially when we saw Dad outside the home, it was heartwarming too.
I was just about all cried-out, so the day wasn’t as tearful as I had expected it to be.
Anyway, on behalf of the family, thanks again and best wishes,”
Preferred to remain anonymous, Yorkshire
March 2020
“Dear Debbie,
Thank you so much for all of your hard work and patience throughout. It was a pleasure to meet you
And we feel very lucky that we had somebody who provided such a thoughtful and caring approach to the ceremony.
Thank you again it was an honour to meet you.”
Bev and Rob Medlock, Timperley
“Dear Debbie, Thank you so much for a copy of the Ceremony for Nora, it was a lovely thought. The service went really well yesterday, with just the right balance of sadness and humour. It was nice to meet you even though it was a sad occasion. Kind regards”
Linda Harding, Manchester
“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
February 2020
“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.
January 2020
“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
December 2019
“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
“I just wanted to thank you again for your wonderful service last week. So many of those who attended mum’s funeral have been in touch to say how lovely it was, just what mum would have wanted.”
Liz Duffy, Hale, Cheshire
“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
“The service was lovely and it was a joy to be a part of it. Back at the wake people couldn’t believe how uplifting and refreshing the service was. Everyone definitely came away something good from it. Everyone thought you were so calming.
It was also lovely to meet you and thank you for everything you did for the family.
I look forward meeting you again someday.”
Sarah Stansfield, Flint, North Wales
“There were very many positive and touching comments about the funeral service.
One, in particular, captured how I think everyone felt with regard to your role which was that “Debbie Jones was part of the service and not just talking to it”.
This, I think, says so much about the care and engagement you brought to what was obviously a sad but nonetheless also joyous tribute to Dave’s life.”
Preferred to remain anonymous, London
“Thank you so much for today. You were wonderful and many people complimented how professional and sincere you were.
Kind regards”
Louise Quinn, Timperley, Cheshire
November 2019
“Thank you so much for the keepsake script. It looks lovely and I will insert the contributions from me and girls to make a lovely object for future reflection.
I cannot thank you enough for your efforts and for helping to make the celebration of my mum’s life such a wonderful event. It really was a perfect send-off and properly reflected the wonderful person we have lost. Everyone (literally!!) commented on how lovely a service it was and how together everyone felt.
Many thanks again, Debbie and very best wishes for the future”
R. L., Manchester
“Just wanted to say a huge thank you for conducting such a lovely service for mum. So many of the people who attended said what a lovely service it was.
Thanks again Debbie”
Michelle Traylor, Stockport
“We all just wanted to thank you for a beautiful, dignified and moving service yesterday.
I know my Nanna would have appreciated what you have done and enjoyed the day!
Kindest regards from us all.”
Joanne Callanan, Timperley
“Just to reiterate Joanne’s comments which we both agree with, you made a somber day into something special and we thank you for that. The scripts you have sent are great. We have your details and would readily recommend your services at anytime.
With thanks for all your help.”
Derek and Jenny, Timperley
October 2019
“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
September 2019
“Debbie,
Thank you so much for helping in a time of crisis, and for playing a key role in ensuring that yesterdays’ ceremony went so well.
Thanks again”
Steve Peggs, New York, USA
“Hi Debbie
A huge thank you from me for yesterday. You did a super job.
All the very best”
Rachael Longley, St Albans, Hertfordshire
“Hi Debbie,
Thank you for giving our mum the send-off she wanted.
Everybody said what a great service it was as it really did celebrate mum’s life.
So, on behalf of myself and my family, thank you.
Regards”
Jon Meats, Manchester
“Thank you Debbie.
I would like to thank you on behalf of myself and our family for helping us though the day yesterday with your wonderful words about Bill’s life.
You really do have a gift of making a very sad occasion into a celebration.
It was a shame that you could not come back with us to the Friendship Inn because you could have accepted personally the kind words and praise which everyone passed onto me regarding your service.
With best wishes for the future.”
Robert Turner, Manchester
July 2019
“Hi Debbie, thank you so much for giving me the support to make it so wonderful.
It was so special and could not have been better.
Thank you also for the copies of the service. G was so pleased. She is very tired but said she felt so much better after the ceremony.”
Anonymity preferred. Lancs.
“Hi Debbie,
We had so many lovely comments about the funeral, how it really reflected my dad’s personality and we did have a really good time with family afterwards (some were a little tipsier than others).
You are amazing at what you do, you really put us at ease, which obviously helped us relay the stories about dad. The service itself was just as we expected and the print outs of your words were a touching gift.
Mum and I are so pleased that Paula and John recommended you!
Thank you so much. ”
Sharon Henry, Wigan, Lancs
“It was a lovely surprise to receive a printed copy of the service.
We had a nice time afterwards, but it didn’t feel the same without the life and soul of the party, his presence was definitely missed.
(Paula’s dad said it was the loveliest funeral he’s ever been to – he’s 80, so, unfortunately, he’s been to a few!)”
Paula & John, Wigan
June 2019
“Thank you for a wonderful ceremony yesterday, everyone commented on how good it was and so fitting for my Mam. Once again, Thank you. “
David Burney, Newcastle
“Dear Debbie
I would like to thank you so much for the readings yesterday.
It was beautiful and so sincere as if you knew her.
Kindest Regards”
Ann Maguiness, Manchester
May 2019
“Debbie, we want to thank you for all the work you have put into celebrating Faye’s life.
So many people have told us how fantastic the service was and we have no doubt you were absolutely instrumental in curating the flow and tone of the day.
We know we did Faye proud.”
The Mooney family, Dorset
“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 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
“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 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
“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
April 2019
“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
“ Thank you so much. It was a pleasure to meet you too and thank you again for delivering our memories so efficiently and so compassionately. “
Katheryne Drinkwater, Timperley, Greater 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,
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
March 2019
“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
“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
February 2019
“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
” Hi Debbie
Thank you for today, you did a fantastic job. We really appreciate everything you have done, for your kind words and also for the copies of the service. Take care. ”
Michelle Henderson, Manchester
“Hi Debbie, on behalf of all the family I wanted to say a huge thank you for today. You made the ceremony beautiful. Thank you.”
Alison & family, Wigan
“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
“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
January 2019
“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
“You did fantastic today and, as a family, we would just like to say a huge thank you.”
Chris, Wigan
“Hi Debbie,
Many thanks for your gracious words today regarding father. Your warmth and empathy were exemplary.
You made today a comfort.
Once again my mother and I thank you for today’s ceremony.
Best”
Andrew, Radcliffe, Greater Manchester
“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
“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
“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
December 2018
“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, 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
November 2018
“Thank you, Debbie. Strangely the day should have seemed sad, but it went perfectly.Thank you for everything you did for us, in making Blanche Kelly’s, our Mother’s, funeral so very special, honouring the special person she was to all that knew and respected her.”
Louise Padmore, 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
“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 demeanor 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
October 2018
“ 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
” 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
September 2018
“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’d just like to thank you again for the wonderful service you put together and delivered on the day.
Thanks a lot Debbie”
Niall, Manchester
July 2018
“I’d like to thank you for a beautiful service you gave my mum and how pleased I was on how the day went.”
Christine Ariss, Wigan
“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,
Thank you so much for being such a warm, kind and heartfelt celebrant at my Mum’s funeral last Friday. I was so pleased that my sister chose you. I will never forget your kindness and true sincerity at my Mum’s Celebration of Life. It is something that will certainly help towards our journey of acceptance, restoration and resolution.
You made her Celebration of Life so special and precious, and you brought a great source of comfort and love into the whole proceedings. It was exactly as I would have wished it to be.
Very kind regards”
From Laura in Ramsbottom
“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
June 2018
“Dear Debbie, thank you so much for what you have done.The keepsake with everybody’s words and thoughts will be framed and treasured. Once again thank you for kind and lovely words.”
Robert Spencer, Middleton
“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
May 2018
“We wanted to thank you for yesterday. We couldn’t have had a nicer send off for P. I think that the photo slide show sent everyone over the edge, but we are glad that we did it.
Anonymity preferred, Cheshire
April 2018
“Thank you for writing such beautiful ceremony notes.Thank you for all your help, we are extremely grateful for all you’ve done.”
H.C, Blackley, Manchester
“Good afternoon Debbie,
Thanks again for coming so quickly to our home yesterday. All four of us were deeply impressed by your humanity and listening ability and feel very confident that you will represent and support our family well.”
Anonymity preferred, Blackley, 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 Debbie. I think everything was perfect. Absolutely beautiful day.Thank you once again for your service and the keepsake script…pure brilliance. Take care.”
Joanne Law, Blackley, Manchester
March 2018
“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
“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
“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
“It was absolutely beautiful. Lovely. Just T to a tee! Thank you.”
Anonymity preferred, Sale, Manchester
“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
“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
“That was so lovely. There are no words to describe it.”
Helen M, Manchester
“May I thank you for a really lovely service. You brought just the right aura to it. It was a real celebration.”
Enid Moore, Hoole, Chester
“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
“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
February 2018
“We were very moved by yesterday’s celebration of K’s life.”
“Yes thank you everyone and thank you Debbie. The whole day was incredibly moving.”
P. & A, Manchester
“Thankyou so much Debbie for your beautiful ceremony, it was perfect. I felt it was everything K would have wanted and it also met everyone’s needs on such an occasion. So full of love and laughter as well as tears.”
N.G, Whalley Range, 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
“Debbie, thank you so much, everything went so smoothly thanks to your efforts.”
D.P, Leicester
“Debbie, Thank you so much for organising and conducting J’s service. Everyone has said what a wonderful tribute it was to J and her life and what she meant to people.”
P. G, Blackley, Manchester
November 2017
“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
“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
“Hi Debbie,
Thank you for your kind and warm words and everything you did with all of us that were involved in carrying out Maggie’s last wishes. It was a tall order and full of contradictions. You did such an amazing job of understanding all the complex relationships and Maggie’s, as well as our, aspirations for the funeral and Memorial. All of it came together perfectly and we came away from the experience with happiness as well as sadness in our hearts, which you had guided us towards with such compassion. Thank you. I would like to put across to other people how wonderful you are as a guide through such difficult times.”
Sam, Ireland
“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
“Thank you once again for the beautiful service for my mum” J.F. Middleton, Rochdale
“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
“Dear Debbie, we would like to express our thanks to you for your compassion, kindness and patience over the last couple of weeks during what has been a very emotional time whilst we have been arranging our dad’s funeral. From our first meeting you put me at ease talking about our dad; his life, family, hobbies, work, and core values. The service you conducted was very special and moving and for that, we are very grateful. With our very best wishes”
M.W, K. H, Urmston, Greater Manchester
October 2017
“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
September 2017
“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
June 2017
“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
May 2017
“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 who 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 find space 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 not only to 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.”
Rahman Baloch, Manchester
“An excellent service. Wonderful. Thank you.”
H.S, Manchester
“ 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
April 2017
“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
March 2017
“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
Feb 2017
“I did wonder how you were going to do it without having known him but you did it really well.” S.L. Stafford, Lincolnshire
“You did a marvellous job.” R.B. Stafford, Lincolnshire
“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
“You did brilliantly.”
W.G. Stafford, Lincolnshire
Debbie Jones, Funeral Celebrant 