A HOSPICE in the North-East has been asking shoppers what they want to do before they die.

It is part of St Cuthbert’s Hospice’s new ‘Everything in Place’ campaign which coincides with national Dying Matters Week.

The idea is to break the taboo around death and dying and offer practical, emotional and spiritual advice to people in Chester-le-Street, County Durham.

On Saturday, shoppers in the town were asked questions on their thoughts about death, and to write the things they want to do before they die on a white board, creating a Chester-le-Street bucket list.

Louise Johnson, of St Cuthbert’s Hospice, said: “As the population ages, more and more people develop illnesses that can impair their judgement or ability to communicate their feelings.

“It’s important that especially older people plan ahead while they are still well enough to do so. Otherwise it can cause problems for them and their families in the future.”

She said that statistically about 70 per cent of people say they would prefer to die at home, but fewer than half actually do.

The project is being run with Cestria Housing, local health and carer support organisations, hospice volunteers and the Chester-le-Street Area Action Partnership.

Further monthly sessions are being held at Ouston Community Centre, Sacriston Fullforth Centre, Chester-Le-Street Parish Centre, Cornerstones @ Methodist Church and Lumley Methodist Church, from early June through to November.