Celebrant Fiona’s new career after father’s funeral
She officiates at over 40 after finding passion
A FORMER charity worker has turned her hand to officiating at funerals after 30 years in the charity sector.
Celebrant Fiona Heath, 60, of Waterlooville, found she had a passion and skill for the job after she arranged her father’s funeral in April 2020.
She said: ‘In doing that it made me feel a bit better about the fact he had come to the end of his life.
‘Knowing that I gave him everything that he wanted made me feel better about the grieving process.’
After 30 years as a fundraiser, Fiona had always been around vulnerable people and their stories, so found the transition made sense due to her passion for people.
She said: ‘It’s all very much about finding the differences that people have made. People make a difference to other people all the time, they just don’t realise it.
‘My mission is to create and conduct unique, heartfelt ceremonies, whether that’s celebrating love in weddings, loss, honouring someone who’s passed away, or the arrival of life in baby naming ceremonies, that 100 per cent reflect the family’s wishes and to be there for them for such a momentous occasion.’
Fiona trained with the Fellowship of Professional Celebrants and started the Solent Celebrant last August. She has done more than 40 ‘completely unique’ funerals in her first year. She works closely with families and said: ‘It’s all about finding the special moments to remember them by.’
Fiona is a bronze standard member of the Armed Forces Covenant and as her father was a Royal Marine, she has experience with honouring the armed forces community. She is undertaking training for baby naming ceremonies and weddings.
Call 07711595210, visit thesolentcelebrant.co.uk or see facebook.com/TheSolentCelebrant