Meet Donna...
From Sunshine & Safari ...
Born and raised in Zimbabwe, I spent years living and working within the safari industry. Surrounded by extraordinary African landscapes within a natural wildlife reserve, life there was adventurous, unpredictable, and never dull.
Every week brought fascinating people from all over the world, but the best part of my day was always the conversations around the campfires beneath the beautiful African skies.
My natural curiosity had an endless stream of new people to meet. I loved connecting beyond the surface and forming connections that revealed the amazing stories, love and strength that people carry.
To umbrellas and "bored" rooms
In 2001, life changed dramatically when I moved to the UK to begin a completely new chapter.
Like many people building a future from scratch, there were seasons focused on resilience, and finding my footing in an unfamiliar world. Determined to succeed, my professional life took a very different direction, corporate leadership and director-level roles.
That chapter developed important skills that I still use today, but it was not a chapter that allowed me to be true to who I really was. The warm, compassionate, inquisitive, vibrant person I once was, faded into the background. I was successful but not happy...
Then came my defining moment
At the age of 43, I "came to the end of myself" and what I can only describe as Divine intervention changed my path. Led me into ministry work, and something within me came back to life.
Far away from my board presentation, I was now speaking to people's hearts and inspiring them.
I felt like me again, except a wiser, stronger and more appreciative version of myself... passionately bringing stories to life, by blending sincerity, honesty and humour. I was connecting at a deeper level again. As a Licenced Chaplain my warmth, compassion and inquisitive nature were no longer subdued... but shone through.
I'd found myself again.
Celebrancy Found Me
Then... I was asked to officiate a personalised funeral.
Afterwards, it felt as though every chapter of my life, from safari camps to boardrooms, motherhood, marriage, ministry and magistracy... had all quietly been preparing me for celebrancy the whole time. And everything clicked into place. That moment became the beginning of
Grace Expressed - The Celebrant Chaplain.
Today, I'm invited into the special moments of wonderful people from all walks of life, and create ceremonies entirely centred around them.
My authentic self gets to shine, and I can honestly say my big soppy heart has never been happier.
Beyond My Surface
Sharing Is Caring
I still love sunshine, the outdoors, and animals. I thought donkey and I were sharing but...he chomped it all. (I wasn't that fussed tbh... I prefer cake) Hubby and I love "glamping". We've been forced to concede that when you have a pump up sofa & airbed it's not camping. We spend glorious days in the peace and tranquility nature has to offer.
Adventure Awaits
I'm up for anything to support charity fundraisers...even treking the Borneo Jungle for 10 days to raise money for a hospice. It was pretty brutal, but my friend and I did reward ourselves with a stay at the Shangri-la straight afterwards. We figured we'd earned a wee spa and spot of luxury after the perils of the jungle.
Big Kid At Heart
I love children and really enjoy being silly with them. Happy Feet remains my fav cartoon even though my son is 20 now.
To help children, I collect and ship donations to an orphanage in Zimbabwe. 10% of all profits go towards paying the shipping costs. Read my blog post about the orphanage donations here.
Cake & Waist
I love cake, despite the constant battle with my waistline, baking (+ eating) cake makes me very happy. My speciality is an indulgent chocolate fudge cake. Considering how much chocolate goes into it, I reserve these for special occasions only. Problem is...I define these myself!
The Heart Behind Grace Expressed
Life has taken me on a remarkable journey. I’ve lived, worked and spent time with people from many different cultures, backgrounds and walks of life. My own mixed heritage has taught me what it means to belong to more than one culture and to value the richness each brings.
Along the way, I’ve experienced great joy and profound loss. And through it all, I’ve learned something that now sits at the heart of Grace Expressed: there is always more to a person than what we see on the surface.
And when there’s a genuine connection, people share their stories. I get to discover more about who they are, what matters to them and the experiences that have shaped them.
As a Celebrant Chaplain, I listen with my heart, gathering the pieces people share and weaving them into something that feels authentic and true. A ceremony might take place at the Shangri-La or on a family farm. Neither makes it more meaningful than the other. What matters most is what happens within it.
That’s why I create ceremonies that are beautifully written but are about so much more than beautiful words.
I want what we create to resonate in the hearts of everyone who loves the people at its centre… you.
If you want a celebrant who will take the time to know your story, who is easy to talk to and genuinely cares … you’ve come to the right place.
I understand what a privilege it is to be trusted with something that matters so much, and I would love to create a ceremony for you, that you’ll always cherish.
I look forward to telling your story.
Donna x