I’m pleased you have found me

If someone has died and you need my help, please call – I will do all I can to ease the load.

Call or text: 027 203 5995

sally@sallycook.me

If I am busy, I will get back to you as soon as I can.   I know you will want to begin making plans as soon as possible.

There is so much to sort out; who will do which job, who will write the eulogy (life story), what readings, music, photos. . .

I have worked as a counsellor for many years, I understand the many layers of emotion present and can help everyone feel heard so that the ceremony is a fusion of everyone’s needs.

What I offer:

Each ceremony is written individually, following meetings, discussions, and questions with the parties involved.

I have a wealth of resources that can be supplied if required.  I can facilitate the whole ceremony or simply be there to introduce and support those who wish to be involved.

On the day, if required, I will arrive early to help set up and prepare the venue and will stay afterwards to ensure the final tasks are completed along with the funeral director (if there is one).  I am at your service to help you and your loved ones as much, or as little, as you need at this difficult time.

“Sally’s background in counselling means she knows how to ask the questions that will help you and your loved ones say what you all want to say and achieve the results you truly want.”

Why Use a Celebrant?

I believe the answer is possibly best described by my recent involvement with a dear friend who wanted a very simple ceremony for her beloved father, which she was going to do herself.  She soon realised that she had no idea where to start. . . . . which is where I came in to help ‘put it all together’.  At a meeting with her and her mother, the relief in the room was palpable.  Someone else was going to ‘hold the space’ for those who were grieving,  This gave those who wanted to speak the time to prepare.  We worked out an order of ceremony; a flow which included everyone, allowing them the space to fall apart if they needed to, knowing that I was available as back up if required, assuring them that any tears flowing would be good and very normal.

What the people are saying . . .

‘I am delighted with how the service went.  It was just what I wanted for my sister and you were so skillful at getting/encouraging people to be brave and speak.  I thought some of the “tributes” were just wonderful.  Thank you!        

I have had many comments from several people ho have viewed the link (of the service) saying how impressed they were with both the funeral itself and you.  So thank you from the bottom of my heart for being there at such short notice and for all the effort you put in to the process and your support of me.  I could not have asked for anyone better!’     – Annette Dow

‘Recently, my beloved father passed away.  Although he had been ill for a long time, it felt like a grenade going off in our family.  Because my brother was here from overseas, Dads funeral was arranged for only a few days later.  Our whole family was numb and in shock.

Sally has been my friend for years.  I knew immediately who I needed to reach out to in our hour of need.  We asked Sally if she would take our very small, intimate private family celebration of my dads life.

From my first phone call, Sally was everything we needed – kind, compassionate, patient, gentle…. and very professional. 

I highly recommend Sally as a warm, compassionate, and highly professional Celebrant.Thank you, Sally.  We all appreciate you so much.’                      – Lynda Wharton

‘Once again, thank you so much for yesterday, such a moving day.  I have had so much positive feedback from friends and family.  Thank you for all your contribution and making it so special for me, I am sure Robert is looking down and would have approved.’                              – Loraine Borland.

‘Thank you so much for the service that you provided for Dads Funeral.  Many guests commented on what a nice service it was.  Thanks also for the nice card much appreciated.’               – Kind Regards Murray & Family 

Pre-planned Services

Funerals are generally short notice; however I am also available for pre-planning for those who would like to have input into their own ceremony. You may want to write or record some special messages, or ask special friends, family members, or groups to contribute, choose your favourite music and readings which say something meaningful for you.

OR

You may want to celebrate your life to date while you still have time to be involved and participate in the ceremony.  Perhaps there are special people in your life you would like to appreciate.  A living funeral is a time to honour the living and appreciate all those who are important to you as well as an opportunity to share all that has been wonderful about your life.

ANYTHING is POSSIBLE

I can meet with you and anyone else you would like to be involved at any time convenient to you.  I can also help organise and arrange a venue, liaise with family members – whatever you need.

Call Me Now to arrange a time 027 203 5995.

“We all know we are going to die, we usually just don’t know where or when. I am very close to my mother, and I know the day she dies will be a truly sad time for me. I expect that I will be devastated by the loss of this wonderful woman in my life. It is a great comfort to me to know that Mum has requested Sally to be the celebrant at her funeral. I know my Mum will have chosen Sally because of Sally’s empathy and wisdom and her ability to honour Carole’s wishes (Mum to me), when the rest of us come together to celebrate her life. I feel relaxed and confident knowing that Mum’s final passage will be in the hands of Sally, a person whose experience of life and people will allow her to create a ceremony that will be real, genuine, and full of meaning for all of us. Thank you, Sally for using your gifts in this way.  It is truly appreciated.”             Karen M