Claire Elford Hewitt

Funeral Arranger & Civil Celebrant, former charity Education Lead and Headteacher of a charity-run special school.

Before becoming an arranger

I work as a Funeral Celebrant. Before that, I was Education Lead for a national charity, Head of Professional Learning for another charity, National Early Years Advisor for a national charity, and Headteacher of a charity-run special school.

What was your motivation for becoming a Funeral Advisor? 

I wanted a role to complement my celebrant work. Working in the funeral industry uses my skill sets and values, notably doing a job that helps and supports people at a difficult or challenging time.

What do you enjoy most about working for Fenix?

I enjoy supporting people, helping to make a difficult task as easy and stress-free as possible. I also enjoy helping to ensure that people have the funeral they want, one that’s suitable for them and their loved one.

What experience is most important for your role at Fenix?

My life and career experience of working with people facing challenging situations. Over decades, I have developed the ability to listen and adapt to the needs of the person I am supporting.

What is your approach to funerals and how they are arranged?

I am very organised and efficient. The most important thing for me is to listen and adapt to your needs; this takes priority. At the same time, I will make sure I keep both myself and you on track and to deadlines.

Do you have any advice for families when it comes to arranging a funeral?

Every family is different. What I might advise one person, I wouldn’t advise another. However, I would advise you to think about what you and your loved one would want for a funeral, consider what your budget is, and stick to deadlines for making decisions to avoid disappointment.

CELEBRANT TYPE: Civil Celebrant — non-religious, semi-religious, spiritual, religious or bespoke ceremonies

TRAVELS TO: Greater Manchester, and possibly into some neighbouring counties

LANGUAGES: English

I used to keep chickens. One flock was named after female singers, the other after Coronation Street ladies.