It’s always an honor to be part of someone’s big moments in life – the births, deaths and marriages.
But being able to conduct that ceremony is a real privilege – and that’s exactly how Sue Clark feels.
She retrained as a Civil Celebrant after being made redundant from her job in old people’s housing and wanted her new career to directly impact others.
A celebrant is effectively a minister of no religion, who presides over civil ceremonies including funerals, weddings, baby naming, vow renewals and other celebratory occasions.
But for Sue, it’s funerals that are her passion and she’s on a mission to change people’s perception that planning your own funeral is best avoided. Instead, she is urging people to take control and ensure that their own story is told.
Sue, who set up Blue Butterfly Services, said: “Your funeral shouldn’t be something that you don’t discuss or leave to your family to make decisions, I want people to be proactive and state what they want.
“I always ask people, do you want someone else’s version of your story told at your funeral or your story in your words? It really gets them thinking about how they will say goodbye to loved ones.
“My other big passion is to get people to think more about having a living funeral. When people know that their time is short, I want them to think about celebrating their life with all their family and friends. It’s a chance to reflect on their life, say the things to each other you always wanted to, express gratitude and share memories before they pass away. It helps ensure everything that you want to say to loved ones is said.”
A living funeral can be as informal as a gathering of friends and family or as elaborate as a formal ceremony.
Sue, also a Complementary Therapist and volunteers at The Hummingbird Centre offering Reiki, Indian Head Massage and Crystal Therapy, will be offering her Celebrant services to guests as well.
In the coming months she will be holding talks and one-to-one sessions with guests.
She said: “One thing that is certain in this life is that we are going to pass to spirit. People who use The Hummingbird Centre are likely to think about their mortality and may want to prepare for the inevitable. They may also want to formalise their relationship or recommit to their partner/husband/wife. I just want to help people to ensure nothing is left unsaid.”
Hummingbird Founder Mechelle Harris said: “We are delighted Sue will hold sessions about her work as a Civil Celebrant and how she could help our guests. We feel it is important for our guests and their families to have access to any information they may need during their cancer journey.”
To speak to Sue visit www.bluebutterflyservices.co.uk or contact us at The Hummingbird Centre