Meet The Team
Michelle
Michelle is a lifelong animal lover and proud mum to two Cockapoos, Wilson and Betty, as well as a cat, Jaxon.
With over 15 years’ experience in a senior compliance role, Michelle has previously run a successful doggy day care centre. Her background ensures every part of Rainbow Bridge, including individual pet cremation, is handled with care and attention to detail.
Michelle oversees aftercare, personally preparing ashes and ensuring they are returned to families with dignity and precision. She understands how important this final step is and works hard to reunite families with their beloved pets as quickly and gently as possible.
The idea for Rainbow Bridge came from her own experience when her cat Milo passed away, and the lack of communication left her uncertain and unsupported. That experience inspired her to create a service built on compassion, clarity and care.
Michelle has also achieved a distinction in accredited Grief Coach for Pet Loss training, helping her support families through loss.
James
James has many years of experience in the funeral industry, having worked as a funeral director in Oldham and Prestwich. He also owns a doggy day care centre and is a devoted animal lover. He is proud to serve as a trustee of Bolton Destitute Animal Shelter, supporting animals in need.
James is responsible for the day-to-day running of the crematorium and oversees all collections, ensuring every pet is cared for with dignity and respect from the moment they are entrusted to Rainbow Bridge. His hands-on approach provides reassurance to families throughout the process.
His background gives him a strong understanding of loss, and he is committed to offering kindness and support during difficult times.
James’s dog, Betty, is a registered Pets as Therapy dog, and together they visit hospital patients, bringing comfort and smiles.
Having experienced loss with his own pets, James recognised the need for more compassionate pet aftercare, inspiring him and Michelle to create Rainbow Bridge.
Mya
Mya is Michelle and James’ daughter and plays a valued role within the family business. She is currently studying English Literature at the University of Lancashire, where her love of reading and storytelling continues to grow.
Growing up surrounded by animals, Mya shares the same compassion and understanding that sit at the heart of Rainbow Bridge. Her own experience of loss, particularly with her childhood cat Brucie who was euthanised at home before Rainbow Bridge was established, has given her a personal insight into how important it is for families to feel supported, informed and cared for during such a difficult time.
Outside of her studies, Mya enjoys getting lost in a good book and is a proud supporter of Bolton Wanderers.
Being part of Rainbow Bridge allows Mya to contribute to a service that means so much to her family, helping ensure every pet is treated with the care and dignity they deserve, and every family feels supported throughout.
Rob
Rob is a crematorium attendant at Rainbow Bridge, bringing with him valuable experience from his previous work within the funeral industry. His background has given him a strong understanding of the importance of dignity, respect and attention to detail when caring for those who have passed.
As a family man, Rob deeply appreciates the value of family and the role pets play within it. He understands that saying goodbye to a beloved companion is never easy, and he approaches every aspect of his work with care, compassion and quiet professionalism.
Rob plays a key role in supporting the day-to-day operation of the crematorium, ensuring each pet is handled with the utmost respect throughout the process. His calm and thoughtful approach helps create a sense of reassurance for families, providing comfort and peace of mind at a difficult time.
Ashley
Ashley is a pet private ambulance driver at Rainbow Bridge, bringing a strong foundation of care, compassion and professionalism. Alongside his role, he works as a Staff Nurse within the NHS, supporting patients with empathy, respect and dignity—values he carries into every aspect of his work.
Ashley’s experience in nursing has shaped his calm and understanding approach, allowing him to support families with sensitivity during difficult moments. He takes great care in every collection, ensuring both pets and their families are treated with kindness and respect throughout.
His passion for this role is deeply personal. Having experienced pet loss himself, and more recently being supported by Rainbow Bridge with the loss of Darwin and Celi, Ashley saw first-hand the difference compassionate care can make. This inspired him to be part of a service that supports families in a meaningful way.
As a family-oriented man, Ashley understands how important pets are within the family. He is proud to help deliver the same level of care and support that meant so much to him.
Scott
Scott is a pet private ambulance driver at Rainbow Bridge, supporting families with care, calmness and professionalism at every step.
Having recently retired from an NHS Ambulance Service after 20 years, Scott brings a wealth of experience in supporting people during some of life’s most difficult moments. His background has shaped his calm, reassuring approach and his ability to remain composed and empathetic in challenging situations.
A genuine animal lover, Scott understands the heartbreak that comes with losing a beloved pet. He takes great care in every collection, ensuring both pets and their families are treated with the utmost respect and dignity throughout.
Scott plays an important role in providing a smooth and thoughtful service, offering reassurance to families from the very first interaction. With excellent communication skills and a kind, steady presence, he provides quiet support when it is needed most, helping families feel cared for at every stage.