A local mum is making a name for herself as 'The Smiley Celebrant', helping to celebrate the lives of loved ones in the best possible way. 

Most people are familiar with the role of a funeral director and vicar but not many people are aware of the fast-growing role of celebrants.

Glasgow-born Kate Moran wanted a new challenge during Covid-19 and decided to take a course in becoming a celebrant. 

Earlier this year, Kate reopened The Old Chapel, in Etruria, as a rentable space for funeral services - Read the full story here. 

Kate has worked as a celebrant across Staffordshire and Cheshire for the past two years (Nub News).

Kate, from Rode Heath, is trained to be a celebrant at weddings and baby showers but says her heart is in funerals.

"Unfortunately it's going to happen to every single one of us in our lives," she said.

"Being a celebrant is a lovely thing to do at such a desperately sad time." 

Kate's bubbly, infectious personality - not to mention her pink hair - help inject life into such a sad event.

"When I'm putting together a eulogy or photographic display for a family it can ring tears to my eyes," said Kate who was a finalist in the Celebrant of the Year last year.

The Old Chapel, Etruria, was last used for a funeral service in 2006 (Nub News).

"The celebrant leads the service which can have an element of religion if the family wants it.

"Celebrants are becoming a lot more widely known. Families can have a longer service and spend more time with a celebrant.

"Putting together the service and the photographic display can be quite cathartic. It often triggers wonderful family memories of happy times.

"It's about celebrating the life of someone and the time they spent in a family and the part they played."

More details about Kate's work can be found on her Facebook page. 

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