01
Funeral ceremonies
A thoughtful, personal service shaped around the person you knew, rather than a familiar script or a set of formalities.
Independent celebrant · Yorkshire
A farewell
that feels
like them.
A life is never just a list of dates. It’s the people, the stories, the favourite songs, the little quirks. Together, we can make room for all of it.
Based in South Yorkshire · Available across Yorkshire
What matters most
There is no single right way to say goodbye. But I hope that, afterwards, you can say:
“That was them.”
01 / What I do
Every life is different.
Every ceremony should be.
The sadness of losing someone is real. So are the love, laughter and countless small moments that made up their life.
02
Celebrations of life
A gathering that makes space for love, music, good stories and, when it feels right, a smile or a laugh.
03
Memorials & tributes
Help with eulogies, readings and memorial gatherings, whether the occasion is large, small, formal or very simple.
Religious or non-religious, quiet or full of character — there is no need to fit somebody’s life into a formula.
The words begin with listening.
02 / My approach
It starts with
a conversation.
When you feel ready, we can sit down together — often at home, over a cuppa — and talk about the person you've lost. You don't need to prepare a speech or know exactly what to say.
01
We have a chat
We can speak by phone first, then meet with family or friends if you wish. No pressure, no complicated process.
02
We find their story
I listen to your memories and help with the tribute, music, readings and the shape of the service.
03
We give them their farewell
I'll work with the funeral director and everyone involved, then conduct the ceremony with warmth and care.
03 / The person behind the words
Hello, I'm Leo.
I love listening to people's stories. I've spent much of my life doing just that.
For most of my working life I've been part of NHS community mental health services in South and West Yorkshire, working alongside people who've often had a difficult time of things. It's taught me to listen, to take people as I find them, and to recognise that no one's life is quite as straightforward as it looks from the outside.
I began writing and delivering eulogies for family and friends. Then, at a friend's funeral, I heard a celebrant speak with such understanding and warmth that it felt as though she'd known her all her life. There were tears, of course, but smiles and laughter too. That stayed with me.
I've since had the privilege of conducting more than 80 ceremonies. What matters most to me is helping families remember the light of someone's life, whilst respecting the darkness of their passing. If a person's story includes humour, mischief or a favourite record played rather loudly, I believe those things deserve their place as well.
Usually it begins with a cuppa and a conversation. I listen, ask questions, take my time and do my very best to find the words that feel like them.
Leo.Good to know
A few things
you may wonder.
Does a ceremony have to be religious?
Not at all. We can include religious readings or traditions if they matter to you, or create a completely non-religious ceremony. The choices are yours.
Can we include music and humour?
Of course. A favourite record or a funny, well-loved story often tells us something important. I'll help you judge what feels right.
Can you help with music, readings and the order of service?
Yes. We can talk through the choices together, and I'll help shape the words and running order so the ceremony flows naturally.
What if we don't know where to begin?
That's absolutely fine. We can begin with what you remember, even if it's just a few small things. I'll help you build from there.
What about weddings and naming ceremonies?
Funerals and memorials are the heart of my work so far, but I'd also love to discuss weddings, vow renewals, naming and welcoming ceremonies. These can be personal and non-religious, with words and music that reflect you. For a wedding in England or Wales, the legal marriage must be arranged separately; a naming ceremony is also different from a religious baptism.
04 / Get in touch
You don't need
to know what to say.
Whether you're planning a farewell or a celebration, you're welcome to email, call or text. We can begin with an informal conversation, with no obligation, and take things at your pace.
Start a conversation
If you'd like to talk about a ceremony, I'd be glad to hear from you.
Email Leo Iamacelebrant@pm.meOr call / text07852 108102
Based in South Yorkshire
Working across Yorkshire