Kate Swan - Independent Celebrant based in Leeds

10/08/2026

Today I had the privilege of leading a service at Lawnswood Chapel followed by a burial at Pudsey Cemetery for a 4 day old baby. The parents trusted me to hold the space for them to honour their beloved daughter.

It is truly a blessing to be allowed to walk alongside families at the hardest time of their lives and play a small part in their journey of grieving and healing.

08/07/2026

With Tarn Moor Memorial Woodland LTD – I just got recognised as one of their top fans! 🎉

20/06/2026

With Tarn Moor Memorial Woodland LTD – I just made it onto their weekly engagement list by being one of their top engagers! 🎉

30/01/2026

30/01/2026

On Saturday I received a call to enquire if I was available to conduct a Celebration of Life at relatively short notice. Today I delivered a eulogy full of love, stories, laughter as well as poignancy in tribute to a beloved husband, father, cousin, nephew, uncle and friend who died suddenly at the age of 57. There were over 100 people in the room, along with a disco, balloons, children dancing and hugs all round. What a privilege my job is.

Hold your loved ones close. We never know what is round the corner.

26/01/2026

Planning for a fairly short notice Celebration of Life service for a man who passed suddenly whilst on holiday. He has a large loving family and it’s my privilege to bring their many stories and memories together to honour a beautiful man. I’m blessed to do this job.

23/01/2026

Two funerals in two days. Opposite ends of the life cycle. A 94 year old lady. A baby boy born sleeping. Both a privilege.

All services I conduct matter equally and I feel truly blessed to play my part.

04/12/2025

It’s taken me some days to fully reflect on the privilege of creating a funeral service for a baby who died soon after birth. It was the most moving experience and one that truly touched my heart. Her parents’ dignity and courage were remarkable and I was grateful to have been able to help guide them through this part of their journey of grief and healing.

As part of the service we included a naming ceremony to mark her individuality and place within the family, in her own right, as a daughter and as a twin sister. We also named her twin sister and it felt such a unifying moment which felt absolutely right.

An intimate service with just the five of us there, it was beautiful, emotional, full of love as well as deep heartache. I’m so grateful to have been trusted with this precious moment.

04/11/2025

Yesterday I had the privilege of officiating the funeral of a man who died unexpectedly and too soon. Working with his close friends I was able to create a service that captured the essence of the man he clearly was and even though it was a small service, the intimacy that brought was beautiful to witness.

What a blessing to walk alongside those who have loved and therefore grieve.

Rawdon Crematorium