Lesley Warden Funeral Celebrant

10/06/2025

04/06/2025

"It’s so important to talk about grief because it never goes away, it never leaves you." 💜

Sarah's husband, Carlos, died suddenly in January 2023. His death was a huge shock to Sarah and left her looking for answers.

Although her grief will never go away, slowly but surely, her life has started to grow around it.

After receiving support from Cruse, we're incredibly grateful to Sarah for sharing her story with us ⬇️

https://www.cruse.org.uk/about/blog/sarahs-story/

30/05/2025

Witnessing a coffin going into a cremator.

If you want to, you can do this.

It’s called ‘charging’ the coffin, and for some faiths, witnessing the charge is an essential part of the funeral ritual.

But it’s not something confined to faith groups.

If the person arranging the cremation agrees, and with advance notice to the crematorium, it’s possible for anyone, of any faith or of none, to watch the coffin go into the cremator.

For some, this accompaniment of their person until the very last possible moment is a final fulfilment, a completion of the physical journey they’ve shared in life. For others, it may feel too much, or not necessary. It’s a very personal decision, but we feel that everyone organising a cremation should know that this final moment is possible, even if it’s not something that feels right for you.

One of the GFG directors invited their brothers to witness their mother’s coffin being charged. Although reluctant at first, both were mesmerised by the beauty and power of this final moment, and were so grateful to have shared it. They hadn’t realised it was allowed - and, to be honest, hadn’t even thought about whether it might be.

We want everyone to know that yes, it’s possible, and yes, you’re allowed.

30/03/2025

If today feels heavy, please know you don't have to face it alone. Whatever today brings up for you, we're here to listen day or night on 116 123 📱

16/03/2025

Leave For Every Loss – pre-24 week loss to be recognised as bereavement.

Today, the Government has committed to granting bereavement leave to anyone affected by pre-24 week pregnancy loss. This is an important step forward, and we look forward to hearing the detail of how this change in employment law will be implemented.

Our CEO, Vicki Robinson, said:

“We are extremely pleased to see, that for the first time ever, those experiencing pre-24-week pregnancy loss will be officially recognised in bereavement leave legislation.

“The Government’s commitment that pre-24 week pregnancy loss will be included in bereavement leave law, via the Employment Rights Bill, is an important milestone, and provides long-overdue validation that this type of loss can be experienced as a bereavement like any other.

“This achievement reflects the tireless efforts of the Miscarriage Association, Sarah Owen MP, our partner organisations, and individuals in calling for change through our Leave for Every Loss campaign.

“Whilst this is a very positive and welcome step forward, we are committed to engage with the Government as the Bill passes through the next stages to ensure it is enshrined in legislation and the details fully support our community.”

We hope you will join us in continuing to advocate for those going through the heartbreak of pregnancy loss.

Find out more about today’s updates here: https://ow.ly/z3bc50VfZr1

_____________

Sarah Owen MP Sands, the stillbirth & neonatal death charity Tommy's The Ectopic Pregnancy Trust Aching Arms UK NCT Trades Union Congress (TUC) Co-op Footprints Baby Loss Little Wings of Hope CIC Anam Cara Fasgadh MISS The Worst Girl Gang Ever Public Page NASUWT Pregnant Then Screwed

23/12/2024

Through the Silence of Christmas ❤️
Beneath the twinkle of winter's glow,
Lies a hush only the grieving know.
The carols play, the bells resound,
Yet hearts ache for what's not around.

The chair sits empty, the stocking still,
A silence that no joy can fill.
But in the quiet, a warmth appears,
Memories glowing through the tears.

The love we shared, it never fades,
It lingers through the darkened days.
Though Christmas feels a shade less bright,
Their spirit whispers in the night.

So light a candle, soft and true,
For love endures, and they shine through.
In every star, in every song,
They're with us still, where they belong.
~unknown.

22/12/2024

If you need support over the festive period, you're not alone.

Our helpline phone lines will be open from 10am - 2pm on:
Christmas Day
27th December
30th December

If you’re struggling and the helpline isn’t available, please do call Samaritans on 116 123.

https://ow.ly/uusE50Uqx4L

19/12/2024

16/12/2024

'Just Hold On' - original writer unknown.

08/12/2024

As National Grief Awareness week comes to a close I think this image says it all.

People deal with Grief differently and there is no right or wrong way so don't feel pressured to deal with your own Grief the same way as others do

Grief has no time limit and you'll experience Not so good days and Better days - be kind to yourself and accept offers of help from people who want to help you.

Photo credit to fightthroughmentalhealth

07/12/2024

💔Managing Grief During the Holidays💔
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Tip #1 of 5: Honor your loved one
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So often our society pressures us to “move on,” “heal,” “find closure,” or “let go” of our loved ones.
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Those messages are wrong.
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We shouldn’t be letting go; we should be finding new ways to hold on to them, hold onto our memories of them, and find a new way to feel connected to them.
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Spend some time thinking about how best to honor your loved one this season.
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It could be as simple as lighting a candle or hanging a special ornament on your tree.
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Maybe it’s volunteering to feed the homeless, host a toy drive for children, or sponsoring a family for Christmas.
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Go to their favorite restaurant.
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Cook their famous side dish.
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Wear their necklace.
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Stop trying to forget them.
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Instead, embrace your memories of them. Talk about them. Say their name and say it often.

💗💗💗

If you are looking for grief support this holiday season, download the Managing Grief During the Holidays e-book and workbook at https://payhip.com/b/FJ8h6
and the Survivng the Holidays with a Broken Heart grief journal at https://payhip.com/b/MF0SK