Lottie Tomlinson urges Brits to break silence on death after heartbreak

It's the one life event guaranteed to affect us all - yet Brits still struggle to talk about it with their loved ones.

A new survey has confirmed that death remains the last taboo, with 47% saying they would rather talk about it with barbers, cabbies or personal trainers than their own family.

Around half (48%) have had a meaningful conversation about dying with a stranger before approaching the subject with a loved one, according to palliative care and bereavement charity Sue Ryder.

People said it was easier to speak to someone who isn't directly affected (27%) and that emotional distance helped them be more honest (24%).

Two-fifths (40%) admit they don't know how to start a conversation, despite half 48% wanting to, the research found.

Sue Ryder has launched The Cab Fare-well, offering free taxi rides in London and Manchester between April 23 to 24 with an unusual twist - the only "fare" passengers are invited to pay is an open conversation about their end-of-life wishes.

Drivers, trained by the charity's experts and palliative care nurses, will gently guide discussions about death in a bid to get the nation comfortable talking about life's one certainty and what matters most.

The charity is working with its ambassador, influencer, entrepreneur and author Lottie Tomlinson, who has openly spoken about her own experiences of bereavement.

Lottie, the younger sister of pop superstar Louis Tomlinson, lost her mother Johannah Deakin to leukaemia in 2016 and her younger sister Fizz to an accidental overdose three years later.

She is now encouraging the nation to speak to their loved ones about their end-of-life wishes and encouraging people to download the "Your Death Deserves Better" guide, which can be found here: https://www.sueryder.org/our-campaigns/death-deserves-better/

Lottie said, "I know from my own experience just how overwhelming grief can be. My mum got ill unexpectedly, and she never wanted to approach the subject that she wasn't going to make it.

"There were a lot of unanswered questions after she died that we didn't know. You're already dealing with so much, and not knowing what your loved one would have wanted at the end of their life only adds to that weight.

"Having those conversations might feel uncomfortable, but they can make such a difference - giving the people you love reassurance, clarity, and a sense of closeness when it matters most.

"That's why I love what Sue Ryder is doing with its 'The Cab Fare-well' campaign, and I hope the service helps people consider why it is important to have these conversations - I know it has for me."

James Sanderson, chief executive at Sue Ryder, added, "Talking to your loved ones about what matters most to you before you die isn't morbid, it's a lasting act of love that brings comfort to everyone when the time comes.

"The small, everyday details that make you who you are, like your taste in music or clothing, cultural practices, or whether you want your pets with you until the end, become so important in ensuring you have the best possible quality of life.

"The Cab Fare-well exists to break that silence and help people feel more confident starting the conversation. It's never too early to have the conversation."