Celebrant Claire encourages others to remember someone special at Sue Ryder’s Celebrate a Life event

A woman who began a new career as a celebrant after her mum died is encouraging the community to come together at this year’s Sue Ryder Celebrate a Life Gloucestershire.
Claire Fraser, 55, who has volunteered for the palliative, end-of-life care and bereavement support charity, Sue Ryder, for nearly a decade will lead this year’s Celebrate a Life.
The event, which takes place from 6pm on Wednesday 2 December at The Princess Hall at Cheltenham Ladies College, Bayshill Road, Cheltenham, is an opportunity for people to pause and remember the lives of someone special.
Claire became a full-time celebrant in 2019 after her mum died. She said: “When my mum died, it was actually at her funeral that I decided I was going to become a celebrant.”
“Before I was a celebrant, I was lucky enough to be a full-time volunteer.  I chaired parents' associations at my children's schools from when they started until they left, as well as fundraising and then Sue Ryder, along with a few other local charities. 
“Becoming a celebrant suited my desire to help others and be there for them during a difficult time, seeming like the perfect fit for me.”
Before Claire, who lives in Tewkesbury, became Sue Ryder’s Celebrate a Life celebrant, she would attend the event both as a guest and volunteer: "It was a time to think, to remember and be surrounded by people who understood,” shared Claire.
“There is an unspoken connection between people who have experienced loss.  It was good to be able to celebrate, sing and remember in a safe space and know it was ok to be sad and celebrate at the same time.”
Sue Ryder Celebrate a Life Gloucestershire will include the chance to write a personal dedication to someone special, as well as enjoy readings and live music.  
Claire shares more about what the event will be like for guests: "Rather than focusing on death, we're focusing on looking forward and carrying memories forward and not forgetting. We want to keep it very positive and uplifting."

“Whether it gives people permission to look forward to the festive season or allows them to acknowledge that it is ok to not feel merry and bright - or simply offers an hour or so to remember someone they love, in a way that feels right for them - then we will have achieved our aim.”

“To be asked to do lead Celebrate a Life makes me feel quite humbled and so proud.”
Claire credits her time spent looking after her mum, her love of people and her volunteering experience on the inpatient ward at Sue Ryder for giving her the confidence to be a celebrant.
"I started volunteering on the ward at Sue Ryder Leckhampton Court Hospice in 2016, and I did that up until 2020. I used to sit and listen to patients at the hospice talk about their life and share their story,” said Claire.
“My time volunteering on the ward gave me the confidence to do the work of a celebrant. I was not scared to talk about death because of all the time I had spent speaking to patients at the hospice. I think that sparked something in me.”
Claire continues: "One of the things that I want to do during the event is thank the staff at Sue Ryder Leckhampton Court Hospice. I hear it all the time from families of people cared for by the hospice. They want to thank the staff, but they don't know how, and I want to help get that thank you across," Claire adds.

Everyone is welcome at Celebrate a Life, regardless of when their loved one died or whether they were cared for by Sue Ryder.  
"We’re also going to gather memories as people arrive and ask them to share a word about their loved one. Our Volunteer Team Manager, Patricia, is going to write a poem on the night and deliver it towards the end of the service, based on what people have told us, which I think sounds really quite exciting.

"We do mince pies and coffee afterwards and that's as important as the service itself. It gives people a chance to chat with everybody and come together, which is so lovely."

To people thinking about registering for the event, Claire adds: “Celebrate a Life is a friendly space where everyone and all feelings are welcome.”

“There will be the festive element, acknowledging Christmas - as well as a chance to remember loved ones and the memories we carry forward. There will also be a chance to reflect, to sing and enjoy some music accompanied by carefully chosen poems and thoughts while sharing the names of those we love.”

“If you feel uncertain about attending, I would encourage you to give it a go; you will be warmly welcomed and surrounded by people who very likely feel the same.”

Places are free but limited. Register by midnight on Monday 30 November at sueryder.org/RememberGlos, email leckhampton.fundraising@sueryder.org or call 01242246162.  

If you are unable to attend the event, you can still celebrate the memory of someone special to you by adding a message, photo or precious memory to our Dedication Wall via sueryder.org/celebrate   

Explore our free bereavement advice, information and support by searching for Sue Ryder Grief Support.   

More details about Celebrant Claire encourages others to remember someone special at Sue Ryder’s Celebrate a Life event (External Link)

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