Benn Abdy-Collins Dip. OCNL, MCPP

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Celebrant Category: Funeral Celebrant

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  • In 2004, I closed my mother’s eyes for the final time. Her dying over the previous years had set me on a course – both personally and professionally – that, I’d never have anticipated or expected.

    As a trained Bereavement volunteer with Cruse Bereavement Care, a professional Medical Herbalist (1993) and Transitions Mentor (since 2011), I am used to the effects of life changes and challenges, and in helping people to manage and deal with them.

    My vocation in life is to aid people facing one of the toughest times, to collaborate and design a funeral for themselves or their loved ones, a service that reflects the life being celebrated.

    We talk, I translate what’s said and write a unique funeral. You decide if it’s what you require or state what you wish changed, then I deliver the service for you. My role is to make what you face as simple as possible. And to say what you need said, the way you wish it said.

  • Testimonials:

     

    Benn captured the true spirit of our mother after only meeting us a few weeks before and getting a brief history of her life.

    He was our strength and backbone when we were in the depths of grief.

    We're also very grateful for the way that Benn handled our 10 year old grandson, our mother's great grandson. Benn was so kind and supportive to him when he did his reading.

    Benn worked tirelessly until he knew we were happy with the wording and his patience and kindness was heart-warming.

    Finally, after the cremation Benn joined us for the celebration of our mum's life where he mingled with family and friends as though he was a lifelong friend.

    Fantastic. A wonderful man.

    Steve W Johnston

     

    Our diploma is assessed on a pass or fail basis, but if we had gradings Benn would certainly have achieved a distinction. His work was excellent throughout, showing great thoroughness and sensitivity. He has a deep understanding of what makes a funeral successful. The funerals he has written were well structured, thoughtful and moving. This is a challenging training requiring a great deal of work, which Benn has been determined to complete. I don’t hesitate to recommend him.

    Simon Smith, Director of Green Fuse.

     

    Dear Benn

    Just a message to say thank you.

    I have spoken with P and she has said to say how pleased she was at the beautiful funeral you officiated for her late Mother and she is very pleased with you and how efficient you was in the arrangements for the funeral.

    Thank you for everything, I will definitely  be in touch with you again soon,

    Have a lovely weekend.

    Kindest Regards

    Hayley M. , Funeral Arranger/ Administrator

    John Nodes, Funeral Partners

     

    Hi Benn

    I felt compelled to write (type) and let you know how pleased I was with the service that you provided for my late brother, M. The words of the Eulogy were, 'Spot on' and what you said and just as importantly, the way that you said it, epitomised the very character of him. This is not just my opinion but also that of my family. I also had many of those present come up to me afterwards and express how well your words captured the Michael they knew and remembered. Throughout the process that followed the unexpected death of my brother I have come up against hurdles, difficulties and delays, but as soon as you became involved there seemed to be a calming hand on the tiller and events ran smoothly - this can be no coincidence. Your helpful, approachable and 'nothing is too much trouble' attitude was so reassuring. Thank you doesn't seem adequate enough to express our gratitude for the service you gave but never the less we do sincerely thank you.... ..

    Tony & Family

     

    Benn

    Many thanks for your work on P's funeral last week. I think your presentation, combined with John’s piece, was a fitting tribute for P. 

    Regards, Mike

     

    Thank you for your kindness. The service was just as we wanted it to be. I took some of the flowers from the top of the coffin arrangement for mum. They are flourishing. Thank you for everything that you’ve done.

    Tracy L.