A New Year’s Resolution for Peace of Mind the Lord-Lieutenant of Rutland, Dr. Sarah Furness

A New Year’s Resolution for Peace of Mind

As 2026 approaches, the Lord-Lieutenant of Rutland, Dr. Sarah Furness, is issuing a unique challenge to the community: make a New Year’s resolution that provides lasting peace of mind for yourself and your loved ones.

As the patron of Dying Matters Rutland (DMR), Dr. Furness is encouraging residents to take practical steps toward end-of-life planning. While often uncomfortable, addressing these "inevitable" realities such as making a will or documenting healthcare preferences—can prevent families from being left overwhelmed and forced to guess a loved one's wishes during a crisis. “There is a lot to think about, even if doing so is not comfortable," says Dr. Furness. "Would you prefer life to be prolonged at all costs or is comfort and quality of life most important to you? Do those close to you know your wishes or will they have to guess?”.  While legal documents like wills are a primary focus, Dr. Furness highlights that smaller details are equally vital:

• Specifying the type of funeral you would like.

• Appointing who should manage your affairs when you need support.

• Managing digital legacies, including those easily forgotten passwords.

"Dead Easy" Event Coming in May 2026

To help residents keep this resolution, DMR is organising a special event titled “Dead Easy: A Guide to the Inevitable” in May 2026. The event is designed to transform end-of-life preparation into something accessible and even comforting.

Attendees will have access to a panel of experts, including lawyers, funeral directors, and end-of-life counsellors, to help clarify procedures and provide trusted expertise. Dr. Hilary Fox, Chair of DMR, emphasises that the goal is to create a "safe, open space" to remove the stigma surrounding death and dying.

About Dying Matters Rutland

Dying Matters in Leicester, Leicestershire & Rutland serves as a central hub for end-of-life information. By working with partners such as the Bereavement Help Point and The Loss Project, the charity strives to improve joined-up care and alleviate the administrative burdens families face during bereavement.

www.dyingmattersleicestershireandrutland.com/

For more information or to prepare for the "Dead Easy" challenge, residents can visit the DMR resources or contact Sandra McCune at drsandramccune@gmail.com.