Prospect Hospice brought together local residents for a powerful and thought-provoking evening of conversation at Ramsbury Brewery, featuring Dame Prue Leith and Danny Kruger MP in discussion about what it means to live and die well.
The event, hosted by broadcaster Susannah Simons, invited open and honest discussion on one of life’s most challenging topics — assisted dying — and explored how families can navigate sensitive issues with compassion and respect, even when they hold differing views.
A thoughtful conversation on assisted dying
Dame Prue Leith and her son, Danny Kruger MP, are well-known for holding contrasting opinions on assisted dying. Under Susannah’s guidance, their conversation offered a unique insight into how disagreement can exist alongside understanding and care.
“Death is a topic many of us avoid, but it’s something we all will face,” said Dame Prue Leith. “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.”
Danny Kruger MP added:
“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!”
A shared call for hospice funding reform
The discussion also focused on the future of hospice care and the urgent need to reform the statutory funding model that hospices rely on. Both Leith and Kruger expressed concern about the increasing pressures facing the hospice sector, agreeing that more must be done to secure its future.
Jeremy Lume, CEO of Prospect Hospice, said:
“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 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.”
Continuing the conversation
Prospect Hospice provides specialist palliative care and emotional support for people living with life-limiting illnesses, as well as their families. Through community events such as this, the hospice encourages open dialogue about life, death, and the importance of choice in end-of-life care.
For more information about Prospect Hospice’s upcoming events and services, visit www.prospect-hospice.net.
To learn more about the campaign for fair hospice funding, visit www.hospiceuk.org/fair-funding-hospices.
