Out of the blue in August this year (2024) I was confronted with an advanced lung cancer diagnosis & the knowledge my time was limited. 

Overwhelmed and facing the devastating reality of saying goodbye to my loved ones I reached out to Tender Funerals. 

I have always lived my life authentically and by the philosophy to ‘keep things simple’. 

And I wanted my death to be the same; simple, joyful and representative of who I am. 

I first heard about Tender Funerals when it was featured on an episode of  "Australian Story" (https://www.abc.net.au/news/2022-06-16/a-community-undertaking/13932294) on the ABC and it really made an impact on me.  To briefly sum it up, Tender is a community-based,  not-for-profit funeral service that helps families to have an authentic and affordable funeral service without the ‘suits’ or going into large amounts of debt. 

Tender also offers community education and empowerment around death care (you can be more involved than you think!) as well as promoting environmentally sustainable death practices such as the use of shrouds and cardboard coffins.  

Tender Funerals is not yet operational in Geelong, but a small group of dedicated volunteers are in the process of making it happen. One beautiful volunteer in particular (Elizabeth) has been amazingly supportive; guiding me & my family to help me fulfil my end of life wishes. 

Tender Funerals are incorporated as a business and are registered as a charity.  So please support their work and help bring this valuable service to our local community by donating to my Crowdraiser.  I know they will appreciate every cent received and I'll be very grateful too.

Through my story I hope to show people that death is simply a part of life, and that it can be a transformative, beautiful & deeply personal experience.

For 

more information go their website  

https://tenderfunerals.com.au/geelong/ (https://tenderfunerals.com.au/geelong/)