It has taken me a while to write this blog, but now feels like the right time, as we approach the first anniversary of Bunny’s passing.
At the start of 2025, I received a call from a very special lady called Bunny. Her brother Bobby is my neighbour, and he had passed my details on to her. From that very first conversation, I was completely blown away by how incredible she was and by her refreshingly direct approach. She told me, very clearly and without hesitation, that she was dying and that she wanted me to help arrange her funeral.
As Celebrants, we are increasingly seeing individuals take control of their wishes and plan their final send-off with intention, courage, and clarity.
I arranged to go and see her at her home, which is in the next village to where I live. From the moment I stepped over the threshold, it felt as though we had always known each other. There was an instant rapport, a deep connection, and—most importantly—trust. As we talked through my role as a Celebrant, I could see her carefully processing everything I shared. By the end of our time together that day, she had made her decision: I was to plan and lead her funeral and celebration of life.
This is where the magic of the celebrant world truly shines. At times like this, people rally together, collaborate wholeheartedly, and do whatever they can to support someone in creating something meaningful—and that is exactly what happened.
Through this journey, I had the privilege of meeting her daughter. Nicky’s love, strength and determination were evident in every detail. The days and weeks that followed were deeply humbling. There was honesty, laughter, reflection and love in equal measure. Despite knowing what lay ahead, she approached everything with grace and clarity, making decisions that reflected exactly who she was.
A little later, I visited her again, this time with Chris, our wonderful local funeral director, Brooks of Malmesbury, to plan her final send-off. Once again, she was incredibly clear about her wishes—from the pink coffin to the Viking helmet that was to sit proudly on top, right through to the afternoon tea at The Rattlebone pub in Sherston, lovingly created and catered for by Leanne of Echo Food.
After Chris had left, the final part of my visit was to record her eulogy. Yes—she wanted to speak at her own funeral, and she absolutely did. What she recorded was an incredibly heart-affirming message: a thank you to the many special people in her life, a reflection on what she described as a perfect life from beginning to end, and finally, the deepest expression of love for her beloved daughter, Nicky.
Bunny passed away a couple of weeks later, with Nicky by her side. The funeral followed soon after, and as I stood to lead the service at Westerleigh Chapel, I was greeted by a sea of pink. Rather than feeling sadness, I felt a wave of happiness—and I know, without question, she would have wholeheartedly approved of the whole affair.
The wake continued in the same spirit. Everyone present was invited to write one word on a pink paper heart that reminded them of her. These were later beautifully framed by Alexandra Hudd Framing, creating a lasting and deeply meaningful keepsake for Nicky.
As I have said so many times before, as a Celebrant, when the phone rings or an email lands in your inbox, you never quite know who is about to walk into your life. From that very first call to the moment I led this incredible Bunny’s funeral, just five weeks passed—and what an extraordinary, life-affirming five weeks they were. I will never forget this amazing lady. Bunny left the biggest impression on me, and her incredible legacy lives on through her beautiful daughter, Nicky, who will forever be a part of my life, too.
