Dying Matters Awareness Week encourages people across the UK to talk about death and dying in a way that feels natural to them. By opening up these conversations, we can help break down the stigma and taboo that too often surrounds death.
This year’s theme, ‘Let’s talk about death and dying’, invites us to have honest discussions about what matters most, what a good end of life looks like, and how care should reflect individual wishes.
Across the UK, there is still a significant gap between the need for palliative and end of life care and what is available. Around one in three people do not receive the care they need, leaving many individuals and families without the comfort, support and dignity they deserve.
At The Myton Hospices, demand for our services continues to grow. The need for hospice beds has increased by 11%, yet due to funding constraints, we are only able to keep 25 of our 36 beds open, limiting how many people we can support at any one time.
It costs over £15 million every year to provide our services free of charge to our patients and their loved ones. As a charity, with less than 20% of our funding coming from the NHS, we must raise more than £12 million this year. When funding does not keep pace with demand, access to care is directly affected.
Talking openly about death and dying helps people feel more confident expressing their wishes, reduces uncertainty for families, and raises awareness about hospice care.
John’s story highlights why closing this gap is so important. In January 2026, John was admitted to Coventry Myton Hospice after he was diagnosed with stage 4 bowel cancer in 2020. His wife, Liz, said:
At Myton, the care is calm, consistent and compassionate. I remember crying with relief. The nurses took charge of John’s personal care so I could focus on being his wife again. I was always confident he was in safe hands.
My biggest takeaway from hospice care is the people. Every doctor, nurse, nursing assistant and volunteer, they’re extraordinary. You see a nursing assistant sitting with a patient, just giving them time. Those small acts matter. You see the very best of humanity in a place like this.
Hospice care is centred on respect, privacy and dignity. It’s about listening to what matters most to patients and families. It honours individuality and supports your wishes, even when it’s not easy.
Of course there were painful moments. But having that time with John made it much more bearable.
John died at Coventry Myton Hospice aged just 43 surrounded by his family.
Ruth, Chief Executive Officer at The Myton Hospices, said:
As a hospice, we see every day the difference that specialist palliative care can make to people like John, Liz and their children. But we are also acutely aware of the growing gap between the care people need and the care we are able to provide.
This is one of the reasons why it is so important that we talk more openly about death and dying, so that end of life care is better understood, better prioritised, and properly supported.
We believe everyone should have access to high-quality, compassionate end of life care, yet too many people are still missing out.
If you would like to find out more about The Myton Hospices, the care we provide, or how you can support our work, please visit the link below...
