On Friday 17th October, Prospect Hospice brought together local community members for a thought-provoking evening held at Ramsbury Brewery. Hosted by broadcaster Susannah Simons, the conversation between Dame Prue Leith and Danny Kruger MP focused on what it means to live and die well.
A thoughtful conversation on assisted dying
The mother and son are known for their contrasting views. Guided by Susannah, they offered a glimpse into how families can approach life’s most difficult topics together, with honesty and respect. Their openness invited the audience to reflect on their own experiences and beliefs about assisted dying, showing that even in disagreement, there can be compassion and connection.
“Death is a topic many of us avoid, but it’s something we all will face. I believe we shouldn’t shy away from these conversations. By talking openly, we can ensure those around us receive the support they need and want at the end of their lives.
Being part of this event was a reminder of the difference hospice care can make, allowing people to live and die in a way that respects their choices. Thank you to everyone who attended, as well as the wonderful team at Prospect Hospice for creating such an open space for this really important conversation.” – Dame Prue Leith
“I was delighted to support Prospect Hospice, debating death and assisted dying at the wonderful Ramsbury Brewery. There was such a good crowd last Friday night. And as ever, it was good to disagree agreeably, especially with your own Mum!” – Danny Kruger MP
A shared call for hospice funding
Prospect Hospice provides personalised compassionate care for people with life-limiting illnesses, and vital support for their families. Alongside clinical care, the hospice is committed to helping people feel informed, supported and empowered to talk openly about death and dying. Through events like this, it aims to raise awareness, normalise conversations about death and highlight the vital support hospices provide.
During the evening, the conversation also touched on the current funding model for hospices. The mother and son both expressed concern about the growing pressures facing hospices, and the urgent need for change. This was one area that the pair agreed on, recognising that more needs to be done to protect the future of hospice care.
“It was a really thought-provoking evening. Although there were different opinions in the room, there was one thing that was universally agreed: the statutory funding model for hospices must change as a matter of urgency. Events like this help highlight not just the emotional importance of talking about dying well, but also the practical need to ensure that everyone can access hospice care when they need it most.” – Jeremy Lume, CEO of Prospect Hospice
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Prospect Hospice holds events throughout the year that encourage the community to learn, reflect and engage in open conversations about life, death and the support hospice care offers.
For more information about the hospice’s events and services, visit https://www.prospect-hospice.net/. For more information on the urgent need for a change in the hospice funding model, visit https://www.hospiceuk.org/fair-funding-hospices.
Lead photo: Susannah Simons, Dame Prue Leith, Danny Kruger MP, Jeremy Lume (CEO of Prospect Hospice) (left to right)
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