Nick Wells | Funeral Celebrant

Hello. I’m Nick Wells, your funeral celebrant in Wiltshire, Swindon and the surrounding areas of the Cotswolds.

I’ve previously worked for just over twenty years in education. The last five of these were as a secondary headteacher. I loved the roles I held in schools, from being an English teacher to leading the organisation. In particular, I loved having the opportunity and privilege of supporting others - both children and adults. I also loved public speaking and giving presentations to young people, their parents and the community.

The schools I led were guided by a clear set of values and a strong moral compass. I was driven and focused on leading the schools to be the best that they could be for the people we served

Throughout this time, I was exceptionally lucky to have had an incredibly understanding wife, as well as two amazing children who I live with in Calne, Wiltshire. I enjoyed reading and writing as well as listening to and playing music.

Then, in 2023, I found out I had cancer.

If you have a potentially terminal condition, you can find yourself considering percentage chances, life timelines and relationships in a way that you are unlikely to have done previously. You can come face to face with mortality in a way that can completely change your perspective.

Even though I was fortunate that the treatment was successful, my perspective was certainly altered. As a result, in 2024, I made the decision to change careers, establishing my own business and working as a funeral celebrant and coach.

We all have a unique story. As a celebrant, being given the opportunity to share someone’s life through a moving narrative that describes the special people, times and events that were important to them is a great honour. It seems only right that their narrative should be shared with those closest to them, in order to mark their death with the respect they deserve.

Bereavement and grief are experienced differently by all of us, each time someone close to us dies. We can go through phases of sadness, anger, numbness, denial and paralysis. We are often aware of everything that needs doing, but find it difficult to identify the best starting point.

At times like these, we can find ourselves wanting to put everything on pause, even if the death has been expected. However, life won’t allow us to do this. We need someone with warmth and compassion to accompany us on our journey in order to move forwards.

Funeral ceremonies are highly symbolic. They provide the safe, loving space for us to gently say our goodbyes to our loved ones and allow the healing process to begin.

As your funeral celebrant, my aim is to create a bespoke ceremony crafted with love, care and professionalism - a fitting tribute to your loved one.

If you’d like me to be your celebrant, we’ll meet face to face, either at your home or online, to talk about the adventures, relationships, attributes and accomplishments that shaped the life and personality of the person who has died. I am able to connect quickly with people, understanding the importance of empathy, resourcefulness, curiosity and creativity.

I’ll then work with you and, if necessary, anyone else who you wish to read, speak or contribute in some other way. I can draw on my love of reading and writing to craft a bespoke ceremony which acknowledges the sadness that loss can bring, whilst also truly reflecting the unique identity and legacy of your loved one. I'll then provide you with a copy of the script for you to treasure.

For me, this is more than a business. It's a service to ensure that loved ones who have died receive the send-off they deserve.