An uplifting eulogy for your loved one, written for you to deliver
Spend a while with me online, and let’s tell their story together
An uplifting eulogy for your loved one, written for you to deliver
Spend a while with me online, and let’s tell their story together
If you’re planning a tribute for someone you’ve lost, you’ll have so much to say. So many stories, so many reflections, to share with friends and family.
Defining moments. Funny moments. Sad times, and times of gratitude. Every life is made of these, and the whole story deserves to be heard as everyone comes together.
The challenge, though, is writing it.
What to say and what to leave out. How to balance humour with more poignant episodes. Finding positives in their story, at a time of grief. And how to close it on a note of hope and inspiration.
For some, all this comes easy – it’s a pleasure, and even cathartic. But for others, it’s too big a task at such a difficult time.
That’s where I step in…
I’m James. I’m a writer and celebrant here in South Wales. And wherever you are, I’m here to help you tell your loved one’s story.
If you’re planning a tribute for someone you’ve lost, you’ll have so much to say. So many stories, so many reflections, to share with friends and family.
Defining moments. Funny moments. Sad times, and times of gratitude. Every life is made of these, and the whole story deserves to be heard as everyone comes together.
The challenge, though, is writing it.
What to say and what to leave out. How to balance humour with more poignant episodes. Finding positives in their story, at a time of grief. And how to close it on a note of hope and inspiration.
For some, all this comes easy – it’s a pleasure, and even cathartic. But for others, it’s too big a task at such a difficult time.
That’s where I step in…
I’m James. I’m a writer and celebrant here in South Wales. And wherever you are, I’m here to help you tell your loved one’s story.
I have so many questions to ask you…
Let me tell you how I work with families, to unearth all the stories we need for a fitting tribute.
PEOPLE
It starts with a family tree. We’ll sketch out who’s who, with space for friends and other significant figures, to get a sense of everyone who played a role in their life.
MILESTONES
Next we’ll draw up a timeline, mapping out their journey. Their achievements, relationships, pivotal moments… their highlights at a glance.
EPISODES
Finally, we'll draw out stories that sum up their life. Adventures, ambitions, treasured moments... and how it all reveals their values and philosophies.
Their life was the sum of all these parts, and more. So I'll keep asking questions until a picture forms – and I start to see the real person who lived behind the stories
I have so many questions to ask you
Let me tell you how I work with families, to unearth all the stories we need for a fitting tribute.
PEOPLE
It starts with a family tree. We’ll sketch out who’s who, with space for friends and other significant figures, to get a sense of everyone who played a role in their life.
MILESTONES
Next we’ll draw up a timeline, mapping out their journey. Their achievements, relationships, pivotal moments… their highlights at a glance.
EPISODES
Finally, we'll draw out stories that sum up their life. Adventures, ambitions, treasured moments... and how it all reveals their values and philosophies.
Their life was the sum of all these parts, and more. So I'll keep asking questions until a picture forms – and I start to see the real person who lived behind the stories.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do we get to a finished draft?
It's a flexible process, but typically looks like this.
We'll start with a Zoom call, where I'll ask some initial questions and share a few ideas. Then if you decide to go ahead, we'll follow up with a second call where we'll explore your loved one's character and every stage of their life. This usually takes an hour or two, because there's so much to cover. And if it takes longer, that's fine - we have to get this right.
Chances are, we'll need to clarify a few things after the call. For example, you might need to check some details with a family member. So we'll agree a list of questions, and follow up soon after, whether that's a quick phone call, a text chat or an email.
Once I have all the details, I'll draft the eulogy and send it to you for review. Then you're bound to have thoughts or changes, so another call might be useful - whatever is needed to turn the first draft into a finished tribute.
What if I have last-minute changes?
It's best to agree the final script well in advance, then print it off and practice it, ready for the day. But things can change. Maybe you want to add something, remove something else, or correct an error... that's all fine. The only thing is, we need to protect the flow of the story. So even if a change is needed at the eleventh hour, get back to me and - if we can - we'll work it in together.
Can you help me practice it?
Yes. Once it's written, I'll format it in a way that's easy to read and deliver, and - if needed - I can help prepare you for the day. Over a webcam, I'll be your audience, as you run through it time and again. We'll find the emotional highs and lows... we'll milk the funny lines... we'll fill the sadder moments with silence. Even if you're not a confident speaker, I will get you to a place where you're ready to stand up and share the story.
Can you deliver the eulogy for me?
Potentially, yes. If you're here in South Wales, where I work as a celebrant, I can lead the whole funeral service or simply deliver the tribute. However, if you're further afield, I can only write it, ready for you or someone else to deliver it on the day.
I'm writing the eulogy myself, but I need some guidance - can you help?
Of course. I can ask you questions that will tease out stories from your loved one's life, then help you choose the best tales and pair them with reflections. I can help you structure the eulogy, so it hangs together as a story with emotional peaks and dips. Or if you've already drafted it, I can offer a fresh pair of eyes - giving you suggestions, or handing you a new draft.
Can I see some examples of your work?
Yes. When you book a call with me, I'll send you a selection of eulogies I've written in the past. These are real life stories, albeit with names and details changed, so I don't share them publicly. But if you'd like to read them before booking a call, I'll be happy to share them with you privately - just email me here to request.
What are your fees for this service?
There's no standard package, as your needs will be unique. But as a general figure, a short 2-3 minute eulogy starts at £175, then up to £300 for a longer tribute of 8 - 10 minutes. Any extra help you need can be added on - let's discuss that when we talk.
I'd like to know more - how do we start?
Book a call with me, and we'll talk it all through. There's no charge for this, and I'll give you some useful ideas for the eulogy that you can use whether we work together or not. Then I'll leave you to decide what happens next.
You can book your free call with me here:
Certification: APC-2518
Every life is unique. A character shaped by family... friends... knowledge... values... success and adversity... has faced the world and made a journey no-one else has taken.
At the end, we have a chance to celebrate all this, as the people left behind come together. United in one place for the first and only time.
Reach out to me when you're ready, and let's celebrate the journey together.
0845 643 6261