Brits want to be remembered as "trustworthy" after they die

NATIONAL NEWS RELEASE

The majority of Brits (60 percent) wish to be remembered as “trustworthy” after they die, according to new research.

A nationwide poll revealed Brits place trustworthiness as the MOST important characteristic to be remembered by, more so than kindness (58 percent), being a good parent (45 percent) – and even intelligence (42 percent).

Researchers from Avalon Funeral Plans asked 2,000 Britons how they would like to be remembered - and what they envisage their funeral to be like, with a vain one in ten admitting they wish to be remembered as good-looking, while six percent would want to be thought of as sophisticated.

When it comes to the finer details of our funeral, it seems many of us have thought about everything, with 40 percent already knowing EXACTLY what music they want played at their send off.

While 61 percent want their funeral to be a celebration with lots of laughter, a more sentimental nine percent want their service to be a tearful and emotional affair.

But, the majority of Brits (39 percent) want their loved ones to wear colourful clothing to their send-off, while 30 percent think it more appropriate for guests to dress in more traditional black attire – and an off-the-wall three percent said they wanted people to turn up in fancy dress.

According to the survey, more than half (52 percent) of Brits wish to be cremated - with 21 percent preferring the idea of a burial.

A more hopeful three percent said they wanted to be cryogenically frozen - so they could be brought back to life when technology is advanced enough.

The research was commissioned by Avalon Funeral Plans, whose customers are able to buy funerals at today’s prices for a one-off cost or through instalments, meaning they could save their families thousands.

Avalon Commercial Director, Jo Darbyshire said: “Death is something that happens to everyone. If people do not plan for it there’s a real danger of leaving loved ones struggling to deal with finances, even borrowing money at high interest rates, at one of the most distressing times of their lives.

“It’s not just about money though, as it’s also hugely healing for families to know that they are giving someone the send-off they wanted.”

As for the venue for the wake – most Brits (26 percent) dream of everyone retiring to their local pub to raise a glass to the dearly departed, where according to the data, guests will ideally tuck into a simple buffet.

A more ambitious four percent want guests to enjoy a slap-up curry, while seven percent want mourners to enjoy fish and chips.

And 47 percent want their funeral to be a big party where everyone celebrates their life – however a grudging 10 percent have already decided they DO NOT want their ex-partner at their funeral.

A further eight percent don’t want their brother there - and six percent don’t want their boss to be at their send off.

The survey also revealed 20 percent of people have discussed what they want at their funeral with their partner, while six percent have discussed it with their grown-up children.

And 69 percent of Brits think it is sensible to talk about funeral plans with family members before they die, while 80 percent of Brits would like to take care of the cost of their funeral before they die.

According to the data, Robbie Williams anthem Angels is the song most Brits want played, followed by Always Look on the Bright side of Life by Eric Idol and Monty Python.

The late Eva Cassidy’s haunting rendition of Over the Rainbow came third and Queen’s Don’t Stop Me Now and Chasing Cars by Snow Patrol came fourth and fifth.

* Avalon Funeral Plans has launched a new TV campaign with Monty Python icon John Cleese starring as ‘death’ warning people to plan their funerals. To find out more, visit https://avalonfuneralplans.com/why-avalon/as-seen-on-tv.

ENDS

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