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No Regrets
About me
How it all began
I guess you could say I had an early introduction to death and dying, with the unexpected deaths of my dear parents. Mum died in 1985, when I was 20 years old, followed by Dad in 1992.
I certainly didn’t know how to be with this at such a young age and dealt with it the best I could at the time. I do, however, remember these as very isolating and devastating experiences which influenced my life greatly.
A different way of looking at death and dying
It wasn’t until I became involved with spiritual teachings in 2005 that I began to experience the concept of death and dying in a completely new way, and then put these teachings into practice when supporting friends and other family members facing their own deaths in the years that followed.
I have taken part in many Death and Dying meditations and courses over the last twenty-one years, and for the last twelve years I have been a committed practitioner of the ancient Dzogchen Teaching and Lineage, which has the nature of impermanence at the heart of its teaching.
Working with people
I have always loved working with and supporting other people. Since 2011, I have worked as a Facilitator for an amazing charity, Alive Activities, based in Bristol, which is devoted to improving and lighting up the lives of older people living in residential care homes, as well as those attending day centres and staying in hospitals.
I have facilitated engaging, fun and stimulating activities using music, movement, guided reminiscence, multi-sensory activities and one-to-one sessions. I have worked with many different client groups, including people living with dementia, learning difficulties and mental health difficulties, as well as people staying on hospital wards and attending day centres.I
In 2019, I trained as a volunteer for Bristol’s local hospice and became part of the Network Neighbour team, visiting people who were spending their final days at home, supporting them with everyday practical tasks or simply having a cup of tea and a chat.
I love to study and have completed the Lasting Powers of Attorney course with the Society of Will Writers and a Level 3 TQUK in Practicalities of End of Life Care. I am also a certified Death Doula.
Bringing it all together
More recently, I undertook an MA in Creative Writing, studying part-time at the University of Exeter. It was during this time that I also began collating all my experience and knowledge as an End-of-Life Planner and creating my own end-of-life planner, tailored specifically for people in the UK.
If I Drop Dead Tomorrow – Here’s What You Need to Know will be published this autumn.
It’s a fillable book where you can leave all the information needed by those who will be taking care of things upon your death. It’s also a guide to help them know what they have to do and when. Because this is never spoken about openly, and it’s a minefield.
The book includes: personal information, medical information, pets, children, finances, properties, online accounts, self-employment, vehicles, personal reflections, funeral wishes and useful resources.
Once published, it will be available to buy on Amazon, as well as through selected bookshops.
My research skills have been put to great use, and over the last few years I have thoroughly enjoyed researching the world of death, dying and end-of-life planning and talking with professionals from many different areas – from funeral directors and the NHS to charities, hospitals and government agencies, as well as everyday people, family and friends.
In addition to working with clients one-to-one, I now also offer group courses. Most recently, I ran Your Family Will Thank You – Introduction to Will Preparation. This autumn I will be running the course again, along with If I Go Ga Ga – Introduction to Lasting Power of Attorney Preparation.
How I can support you
I am now based in Devon, where you’ll be able to find my book in selected bookshops, as well as find me giving talks around the county.
I am also available for talks and workshops UK-wide. If you are part of an organisation, or have an upcoming event you would like me to deliver a masterclass at, please find my contact details below.
Or if you’d like to find out if and how I can support you and your family personally with any aspect of end-of-life planning, then get in touch.