Graeme

Elizabeth’s husband, Graeme, was only thirty when he died of terminal cancer.

She writes: When he read about ‘Natural Burials’ he decided that was what he wanted: ‘under a tree, in a wicker coffin, in the Kent countryside with a space for myself at his side’.

She continues: Thank you for setting up Deerton Natural Burial Ground where my husband is buried. It is a wonderful, picturesque, respectful place. I feel at peace knowing that it is my husband’s new home - and my home in the future. It is exactly what Graeme would have wanted.

I found Deerton by chance and when I went there I immediately knew it was the place. Someone said to me, ‘you will know when you find the right place.’ It felt so right when I was there and it ticked all the boxes that Graeme wanted.

Leading up to the funeral and on the day of the funeral, I was very grateful to you for being so accommodating and flexible. The funeral service was in Beckenham and so it was quite a long way away. It didn’t matter if we arrived late or early, you were there to greet us. It was a beautiful committal. We played one of Graeme’s favourite songs and listening to it as we buried him, in such a beautiful setting, it all seemed so magical.

I can honestly say that the magic has not faded. I visit Graeme as often as I can. Every time I feel so happy. I spend time with my beloved husband as long as I want and I can enjoy the sun, rain and even the snow with him.

Elizabeth kindly gave permission for this extract from her letter to be used on our web page.

"I was able to say goodbye in just the way I wanted."

"I found Deerton on the internet and telephoned them. They were kindness itself: nothing was too much trouble."

"Quiet, peaceful and tranquil, an ideal place for my teenage son to visit his father."