First Conversation & Listening
We begin by talking about the person who has died and what you would like the day to feel like. I will ask questions, but there is no expectation that you have everything organised or know exactly what you want.
Thoughtful farewells, created with care
When someone has died, there is already enough to think about without worrying about finding the right words. As a funeral celebrant in Blackburn, I work with bereaved families to create personal, thoughtful farewells that reflect the person who has died, the life they lived and the people who loved them. I listen carefully, write with warmth and help make the process feel a little more manageable.
Remembering the person, not just the dates
A good goodbye should help people recognise the person being spoken about. Their character, relationships, quirks, values, stories and the small details people remember long after everything else fades.
I spend time listening to you and gathering what matters. Some families arrive with pages of stories, while others are exhausted, overwhelmed or simply unsure what to say. Both are completely fine.
My role is to take what you share and shape it into something coherent, honest and meaningful. The tone might be reflective and tender, or it might include laughter and the stories that could only belong to that particular person.
Where appropriate, I can also help with a standalone eulogy, a later memorial, a living wake or another form of remembrance.
Personal support for the farewell you need
My work can be shaped around the type of farewell you are planning and the support you need.
This may include:
Nothing needs to be added simply because it is traditional. Equally, meaningful traditions can absolutely have a place when they matter to you.
The aim is to create something that feels appropriate for the person and the people gathering to remember them.
A calm, thoughtful process
We begin by talking about the person who has died and what you would like the day to feel like. I will ask questions, but there is no expectation that you have everything organised or know exactly what you want.
I use our conversation to create the structure and write the personal elements. Storytelling is an important part of my approach because a life is more than a collection of dates and milestones.
I make sure I understand the agreed running order and what everyone involved is comfortable with. On the day, my job is to hold the space calmly and keep the focus where it belongs: on the person being remembered.
Families may contact me directly, and I also work alongside funeral directors as part of the arrangements.
I understand that these enquiries can have a much shorter timescale than other ceremonies. If a funeral director is coordinating arrangements, I can work with them on timings while discussing the personal content directly with the family.
Email is usually the easiest way to reach me, particularly because I may be conducting a ceremony when you call. You can also phone or text, and if I cannot answer an unidentified number, please leave a voicemail so I know who is trying to reach me.
Local funeral celebrant support
I am based in Blackburn and primarily work within approximately 20 miles of the town, including Darwen, Accrington, Clitheroe, Chorley, Burnley and Preston.
If the ceremony is taking place elsewhere, you are still welcome to ask. I also undertake selected work further afield where arrangements allow.
Funeral arrangements often move quickly, so contact me as soon as you know the proposed date and time. I will confirm my availability and explain what I need from you so we can make the most of the time available without making the process feel rushed. You can also check my calendar and provisionally book my time.
No. You can share memories, stories and information in whatever way feels easiest. I can turn those conversations into a structured tribute, while family members who want to contribute their own words can absolutely do so.
Yes, when it genuinely reflects the person. A meaningful farewell does not have to be solemn from beginning to end. Sometimes a familiar story, phrase or moment of laughter is exactly what helps people recognise the person they knew.
Yes. Eulogy writing can be provided separately when someone else is leading the day but you would like help finding the right words and shaping the person’s story.
I can also work with someone who is dying to help them create the eulogy they would like to be read at their funeral, giving them the opportunity to shape how their story is told and what they most want to leave behind.
I believe in being clear about pricing. I will confirm the current fee, what is included and any relevant arrangements before you decide to go ahead, so you know where you stand from the outset. For ceremonies arranged via a Funeral Director, I will liaise with them on fees and pricing, unless otherwise agreed.
You do not need to have the right words before you contact me. That is part of what I am here to help with. Tell me who has died, where the ceremony is taking place and any date or time you already know, and we can take the next step from there with care and without unnecessary fuss.
Email: gail@gailjchisholm.com Call or Text: 07718 922691
© 2026 Gail J Chisholm. Free ceremonies always available for babies, children