Independent Funeral Director - Funeral Celebrant - Bereavement Counsellor

04/02/2026

Today we said goodbye to Derek.

Derek was a devoted husband, an unconditional and loving dad to his son Mark, a cherished father-in-law and a phenomenal grandfather. Family was at the very centre of Derek’s life.

Everything he did was centred in his love for those closest to him. Today we take comfort in knowing that Derek is lovingly reunited with his beloved wife Sue.

There were many aspects of Derek’s life that were shared today. He was born and bred in Bolton, Derek was proud of his roots. He began working at his father’s petrol station: the first petrol station to open in Bolton! This was the beginning of Dereks work ethic, commitment and sense of responsibility from a young age.

Derek embraced the changing world around him…. He had a great love of modern technology and thought Alexa and voice-activated lights were absolutely brilliant.

Alongside his family, Derek and Sue built many cherished friendships over the years. Those friendships were based on loyalty, kindness and genuine warmth. Today we were reminded of the impact Derek had on so many lives by the reflection of his many friends present at the service today.
💙🙏🏻

03/02/2026

Today we explored positive and negative emotions together:

How both the bright happier ones and the heavier uncomfortable ones feel in our bodies and where we notice them showing up.

We talked about the impact it takes on our mental health when difficult emotions are pushed aside or ignored… and equally, how healing and uplifting it can be when we recognise the positive ones too!

In our creative time we used body mapping, painted stones and mindfulness to connect with what we were feeling.

Some days…. especially when we are overwhelmed with sadness, our emotions can stretch out and feel very heavy.
But today reminded us that so many happy, light emotions live inside us too, waiting to be noticed.

Speaking to someone about it all can feel like a lighthouse suddenly sweeping its beam across dark water: that soft glow of recognition and deep breath of relief.
💖🙏🏻💙

02/02/2026

Today we said goodbye to Dave.

It felt like the whole of Adlington was with us at the crematorium, the love and support shown to Dave’s family today was truly phenomenal.

Dave’s love story began with his wife Sue back in 1976. After a whirlwind eight-month relationship, they married and soon began building their family together.
Dave was a devoted husband, dad and grandad. He centred his entire world around his family, something beautifully reflected in the memories shared during his eulogy and the cherished photographs shown throughout the service.

Dave’s phenomenal work ethic, his love of holidays, a can of stella, sports and his deep admiration for his family shone through in everything he did.

When Dave was asked: “What would you want for your funeral?” his response was perfect: (and made me chuckle)
“Bury me upside down so the whole world can kiss my ass!!!”

Dave… you will be missed. 🍺 ⚽️✈️💙🙏🏻

01/02/2026

I’ve had a lovely week in sunny Tenerife, recharging my batteries and catching the sun rays.

As I flew through the sky I captured that same thought I always have….. I wonder where the fine veil between heaven and the sky is? The clouds with their rays of sunshine cutting through is like a lantern of lights leading to that very veil. ✨✈️
In these moments, I always wonder just how far we are from the spirit world.

But work doesn’t stop. I have ongoing funerals this week which I have been practicing… reading eulogies while sat around the pool, answering emails and planning for upcoming counselling sessions.

Holidays are a magical energy booster. 🤩
I feel deeply grateful for the chance to step away and rest….. and equally blessed and thankful for the continued work that flows my way. 🙏🏻

22/01/2026

Yesterday in our sessions we crafted bookmarks while exploring the emotions we had experienced throughout the morning and reflecting back over the week.

As we chatted and gently deflected through the use of craft materials, we were left sparkling…. glitter found its way everywhere! ✨

Counselling sessions are a wonderful space to use resources like glitter, paint and Play-Doh (something the adults at home aren’t always quite so keen on).

Our sparkly creations were admired by all… but the real work was quietly unfolding beneath the surface…. Sharing subconscious expressions of memories and the emotions tied to them.

15/01/2026

I love this!!!

For any family member with a loved one who has dementia, take a look at this!!!

Join us for our Dementia Friendly Cinema screening.

The films are open to everyone, but specifically tailored to people living with dementia. Come and enjoy classic films and musicals in a safe and welcoming environment. The lighting will be dimmed rather than turned off and the audience are welcome to talk, move round and sing along.

Please be aware that a family member, friend or carer must also be in attendance at the films.

The films are free to attend at Bolton Library and Museum lecture theatre. No need to book, just drop in.

The next film will be ‘Laurel and Hardy - Sons of the Desert', January 16th, 2pm.

14/01/2026

Today we said goodbye to Len

Len was a much loved father and grandfather. Judging by the number of people who gathered to remember him, it was clear that Len was also a very dear and well loved friend to many.

Len had a great passion for Wigan rugby, Dawson’s pies and a couple of pints in his local; The Wheatsheaf where he enjoyed meeting friends each day for a chat and a laugh.

He was very much a creature of habit… every Saturday he would hand his daughter the same shopping list without fail.
Each year he would treat himself to a new pair of shoes, always making sure they had a good tread for walking…. That detail really mattered to Len!

His broad Northern accent would drive his sister bonkers, especially when he deliberately accentuated it just to tease her… this was Lens character, he was real, he was loved beyond measure and he will be greatly missed.

12/01/2026

Today we said goodbye to Colin.

Colin was a devoted husband, dad, grandad and a friend to many. His skilled hands and love of woodwork have left a lasting mark on countless homes…. whether through major renovations or the small thoughtful fixes like crafting a new garden gate. Colin was always there, tools at the ready, always willing to help.

Many cherished and heartfelt memories were shared today by both Colin’s son and son-in-law, each capturing the true essence of a deeply loved, valued and respected man.

Colin will be sadly missed by his devoted family and all who were fortunate enough to know him.

09/01/2026

Today I cherished the cold wind on my cheeks as I walked back to the car. I took the scenic route home and as I drove, I found myself holding close the simple things…. the trees standing bare yet strong and sturdy and their fallen leaves scattered across the ground.

I watched the busyness of people going about their day and yet, as I left the crematorium, I walked away from a family who had just laid their 19 day old baby to rest. No words can capture the pain, the grief, or the emptiness that surrounds a loss like this.

My heart goes out to this family as they try to navigate their profound loss in the coming weeks, months, years and into eternity as everything they had planned became still.
🥰♥️🙏🏻

Tonight I will light a candle in hope of peace and healing as my heart processes their enormous loss. 🕯️

09/01/2026

Today, we said goodbye to Elaine Macgregor Hull…
Fondly known to some as the Ageless Goddess, and to many of the younger congregation as their much-loved head teacher and spirited friend, who was never afraid to join in with handstands at playtime. Never one to stand on the sidelines, Elaine was the teacher everyone wanted on their team.

Today’s service beautifully reflected the strength of character and remarkable spirit that defined Elaine’s life. She filled many roles with love and dedication: daughter, sister, aunt, wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother.

In today’s service we heard recorded tributes from Australia shared by those who were close to Elaine but unable to make the long journey to be with us in person.

Elaine was a keen walker and cyclist, she was fondly recognised as the lady in the blue M&S shorts always off on another adventure! She loved a good debate and was an exceptionally loyal and supportive friend to many. Elaine will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing her.

08/01/2026

Today we said goodbye to Ann.

Seventeen weeks ago, we stood together as I facilitated the funeral service for Ann’s beloved husband Peter. None of us could ever have imagined that we would be here again today so soon to say goodbye to Ann herself.

Ann was a much-loved sister, wife, mother, Nan, mother-in-law and a treasured friend to so many. She found great joy in life’s simple pleasures, especially a good game of bingo, often shared with her daughter and daughter-in-law
…. Together, they walked away with a couple of big wins!!

She had a deep love for her greenhouse and took great pride in growing her own vegetables, lovingly passing on her green-fingered skills to her grandchildren.

Ann was someone who always put others first. Throughout her life, her concern was never for herself but for those around her, always making sure that everyone else was alright.
The only comfort we can take from today’s service is knowing that Ann and Peter are now lovingly reunited…. exactly where Ann longed to be: back with her beloved husband of 58 years.