How can we help?
We can also help you make a will through our Free Will Service. Depending on where you live, you can make or update your will at home, online or with a solicitor. There is no charge.
What's in the 'End of life care' section?
- End of life care for pancreatic cancer
- Coping when you are approaching the end of your life
- Talking about dying
- Your care towards end of life
- Where to receive care
- Symptoms towards end of life
- Making plans for after you die
- Information for families at the end of life
- Signs that the end of life may be near
- When someone with pancreatic cancer dies
- Coping with loss
- Further information and support
Making plans for after you die might include making a will, planning a funeral, or making sure your family and pets are looked after.
Making your will
A will is a way to take control of what happens to your money and property when you die. It is a good idea to do this early on, so that it’s one less thing to worry about.
Look at GOV.UK for more information about making a will.
Find out more about our free will writing service
Planning your funeral
Some people want to plan their own funeral. Others don’t want to be involved at all. And some people don’t want a funeral.
Thinking about what you would like can be difficult. But letting your loved ones know what you want can take the pressure off them and give them peace of mind.
You may want to talk to those close to you about your wishes, or you may find it easier to write them down. Or you could use The Farewell Guide online funeral planning tool to record your wishes.
You might find these things useful to think about.
- Do you want the ceremony to be religious or non-religious?
- Would you like to be buried or cremated?
- Where would you like your ashes to be scattered?
- Are there any readings you would like, or certain music played?
- Do you want to choose a charity for donations to be sent to in your memory?
There are different options for paying for a funeral, such as using a pre-paid funeral plan, insurance plans or savings. If you or your family need help paying for the funeral, the government has a Funeral Expenses Payment. Marie Curie has more information about planning funeral costs.
What’s a living funeral?
A living funeral is a way for a person who is dying to celebrate their life with the people they love before they die. A living funeral can be tailored to whatever the person wants. It could include a celebrant who leads proceedings in a more structured way. Or it could be more informal, perhaps with friends sharing stories and playing or listening to music.
She planned her funeral and had a lovely white wicker basket for a coffin, and she had the songs ‘Somewhere Over the Rainbow’ and ‘Never Enough’. She loved The Greatest Showman.
More information and support
Macmillan Cancer Support and Marie Curie have information on some of the things you might want to think about when writing a will or planning your funeral. We also have information for family members on what happens when someone close to you dies, including information on organising a funeral.
Other things to think about
There are other things you might want to plan before you die:
- What do you want to happen with your social media accounts? Cruse has information about managing social media when someone dies.
- Make sure someone you trust has access to your online accounts, emails and subscriptions.
- Who will look after your pet? There are charities that can help such as Blue Cross.
- Would you like to leave videos, letters or other items for your loved ones?
Published August 2024
Review date August 2027