The Dying Matters coalition is encouraging people to talk about their wishes towards the end of their lives. What would you like to be remembered for?
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People in Trafford would like to travel the world before they die, a survey has found.
Of those surveyed as part of a poll ahead Dying Matters Awareness Week in May this year, 54 per cent said travelling the world was on their ‘bucket list’. Another 13 per cent said they wanted to learn a new skill before they died, while 10 per cent would like to run a marathon.
Participants were also asked what they would like to be remembered for, and whether they had thought about their funeral arrangements.
Over half of the people surveyed (55 per cent) said that they wanted to be remembered for being a good person, while 30 per cent said they wanted to leave a legacy of having lived life to the full. Only 1 per cent wanted to be remembered for having had a successful career.
When it came to funeral arrangements, 40 per cent of those surveyed had thought about their funeral arrangements and had discussed it with their loved ones, but 35 per cent said they would probably think about it when they were a bit older.
Dying Matters aims to raise awareness and generate debate on dying, death and bereavement. It is hoped that bringing attention to the subject will make it easier for people to have conversations with their loved ones about their wishes for their end of life care.
Gaynor Wakefield, palliative care lead at NHS Trafford, said: “We know that some people find talking about death uncomfortable, but Dying Matters aims to remove the stigma attached to it. If people don’t talk about their wishes, their friends and family won’t be able to fulfil them when the time comes. We would encourage everyone to have that conversation with their loved ones.”
For more information, visit www.dyingmatters.org.
Trafford Primary Care Trust, 2nd Floor Oakland House, Talbot Rd, Old Trafford, Manchester M16 0PQ