My name is Christine Elizabeth Barbara Lerpiniere, what a handle! I’m also known as Chris, Chrissie, Cricket, Mrs. L, Auntie Chris, Auntie Histamine, Cribbie and my all time favourite, Mum. I have recently retired from nursing after over 40 years.

My reasons for becoming a celebrant are many, some very practical and others a little existential. My nursing career has been a privilege and an honour. I have had the opportunity to be with my fellow man at some of the happiest times in their lives, such as watching their child wake up from a coma, giving birth, receiving news of having their cancer cured. I have also been there at the hardest of times, being with someone when their loved one has died, when they were given a diagnosis of a terrible debilitating and life changing disease, offering organ and tissue donation to a bereft family. I get spiritual fulfilment from being there to help and support or just to hold space for that person at their time of need. I am not a saint by any means however throughout my life I have always tried to be kind, to be generous and respectful of those around me.

Being an independent celebrant allows me to continue what I am good at. To offer my service at a time that is either happy, such as getting married, to the harder, more difficult times of saying a final farewell.

I will always endeavour to create and deliver a service, ceremony or ritual that is responsive to the wishes of my clients.