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Samantha Shepherd - Civil Funeral Celebrant

13/08/2025

Recently, I led the hundredth funeral ceremony that I've been entrusted with since starting out as a celebrant.

In September 2023, when I was given my first opportunity to create a funeral ceremony, I could scarcely imagine reaching this point. Having done so, I continue to be humbled by my work every single day.

Something that's surprised me on this journey is how deeply I've been influenced by the life stories that I've helped to tell. I've not only gained many new perspectives about life, but also about death.

I'm often asked whether being a funeral celebrant affects my emotional well-being. On reflection, I don't think it would be possible for me to create fitting funeral ceremonies without being moved by the recollections of loved ones that people share with me, or by their expressions of grief.

What actually helps is that I've always experienced strong emotions. This has led me to develop the tools and resilience needed to navigate uncomfortable feelings, so I'm in the best possible position to support each family that I work with.

Reaching 100 ceremonies is so much more than a milestone. It represents 100 people who are sadly no longer in the world; the telling of 100 unique life stories; helping those left behind to say a meaningful goodbye.

I feel privileged each time I'm entrusted with leading a funeral ceremony and I don't think that will ever change. As I continue on this journey I hope to continue learning and developing so I can be a better celebrant tomorrow than I am today.

22/12/2024

During this festive season, I'm holding the families that I've worked with this year in my thoughts and in my heart.

However you choose to approach Christmas and New Year, now or in the future, please know that there's no right or wrong way to do so. Do what feels right for you and your family ❤️

Should you need it, extra support is available via the below organisations.

Samaritans: https://www.samaritans.org/how-we-can-help/contact-samaritan/

Cruse Bereavement Support: https://www.cruse.org.uk/get-support/helpline/

Sands (for those affected by pregnancy loss and the death of a baby)
https://www.sands.org.uk/contact-us

Wishing you comfort and peace 💖💖💖

Sam x

08/09/2024

A year ago today I was offered the opportunity to create a funeral ceremony for the very first time. I accepted with a huge sense of responsibility in my heart. Not only had I been entrusted with telling the story of another human being's life, but also with helping their loved ones to say goodbye to them.

On the day of the funeral I stood at the lectern, my heart pounding in my chest, as mourners entered the chapel. Then I took a deep breath, pushed the nerves down and let the words flow.

I've created and spoken at many ceremonies since then. Although my heart no longer pounds in my chest before I speak, the sense of responsibility that I carry with me is just as great as it was a year ago. Being a funeral celebrant is my vocation ❤️

24/12/2023

During this festive period, my thoughts are with each and every family that I've worked with this year. 💕💕
There's no right or wrong way to approach Christmas and New Year when a loved one has died. Take things at your pace and do what feels right for your family's individual circumstances.
If you're in need of some extra support, help is available via the below organisations.

Samaritans: https://www.samaritans.org/how-we-can-help/contact-samaritan/

Cruse Bereavement Support: https://www.cruse.org.uk/get-support/helpline/

Wishing you comfort and peace 💕💕

Sam x

09/10/2023

**Trigger Warning - Baby Loss**

I'm sharing my story in support of Baby Loss Awareness Week. An estimated 1 in 4 UK pregnancies end in loss during pregnancy or birth, which means you likely know someone who has had this devasting and life-changing experience. Despite that, in many ways, baby loss still remains a taboo subject. That has to change. To learn more, or for help and support please visit Baby Loss Awareness UK ❤️

🤍 My Little Snowdrop 🤍

My youngest daughter Hannah is the driving force behind Little Snowdrop Ceremonies.

My Little Snowdrop died when I was 16 weeks pregnant with her and the UK was in the midst of a Covid lockdown. My husband James and I attended Hannah's burial without any family present. There was no celebrant leading the ceremony, just us observed by the funeral director and the cemetery manager. It truly was an isolating and devastating experience.

As the months passed after Hannah's death and I navigated my grief, I wanted to find a way to help others who had lost a baby but nothing seemed to fit. Then in September 2022, it came to me - I would become a celebrant and help families say a fitting goodbye to their loved ones, including babies who had been taken too soon.

I think about Hannah all the time, and that will never change - I don't want it to. Her time with us may have been short but that doesn't mean that she's any less loved. I'm proud of her and feel immensely privileged to be able to honour her through my work ❤️❤️❤️

05/10/2023

** Shared with permission from my client.** This feedback has made my whole month. I founded Little Snowdrop Ceremonies with one goal, to help people. It's not possible to take someone's grief away, but there are small ways to lighten the load on a grieving heart and mind. I'm incredibly grateful to have been granted the honour of helping familes say goodbye to their loved ones ❤️

06/08/2023

I'm Sam, the face behind this page. I was inspired to become a civil funeral celebrant, and set up Little Snowdrop Ceremonies, following the deaths of two close family members.
The experiences I had at their funerals, both positive and negative, left me with a strong desire to help others say a fitting goodbye to the important people in their lives. I hope to help every family I work with create a unique, personalised funeral ceremony for their loved one and say their goodbyes in the best way possible ❤

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Bushey

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http://littlesnowdrop.com/

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