Sidmouth paramedic swaps uniform for new role after 33 years

Lisa Craig has left the South West Ambulance Service, where she has worked for more than three decades, to become a celebrant.

She will now be creating personal ceremonies for funerals, weddings, vow renewals, and baby naming ceremonies.

She said: "I have absolutely loved being a paramedic working initially in Yeovil, but for the last 25 years, I have worked in East Devon.

"I have finally said goodbye to my colleagues in the ambulance service, but am now looking after people in a different way."

Lisa believes her new job is a natural progression from her previous role.

She said: "Celebrancy seems like a natural progression to me – it’s listening to people’s stories, celebrating different stages of life and honouring everything that makes people unique.

"I feel very honoured each time I am able to help a family celebrate a lost loved one – hearing their story, supporting the family and friends, and making sure that their funeral or celebration of life reflects that person."

Her interest in celebrancy was sparked at her husband's funeral 14 years ago.

He was a paramedic too, and people suggested she should "do funerals" as a role, which she has now taken up.

Lisa believes her new job is a natural progression from her previous role

Lisa also has a special interest in helping those with life-limiting diagnoses.

She offers the option of a living funeral, where individuals can say goodbye to their loved ones in person.

She said: "It’s not for everyone – but I feel people need to have a choice."

In her new role, Lisa also takes part in weddings and vow renewals.

She said: "With a wedding or vow renewal, I have the privilege of telling the couple’s love story and absolutely making their ceremony bespoke to them.

"I can perform these ceremonies anywhere – in a cave, on a beach, in a hotel or back garden – the choice is endless."

Despite her new career, she is still proud to be a registered paramedic and often has people knocking on her door or asking for help.

She states that her new role doesn’t change that, but enables her to continue to serve her community uniquely.

If you would like to know more about how Lisa is continuing to look after people in Sidmouth and East Devon, then please contact her via her website or social media channels.