Death sparks children to become overnight sensations

Pupils of Ramridge Primary School in Luton and The Grove Infant and Nursery School in Harpenden have become social media stars following a humorous film of them talking about death.

In less than 24-hours, the film produced by Keech Hospice Care, the adult and children’s hospice in Luton, has racked up more than 20,000 views across social media, with Harry Judd from McBusted and national charities including Marie Curie showing their support.

Carolyn Doherty, Head teacher of Ramridge Primary School, said “It was a really enlightening experience to see how deeply the children were able to think and talk about the subject of dying and in such a relaxed way.”

Anna Archer, Head teacher of The Grove Infant and Nursery School, said “We’re delighted to support Keech Hospice Care with its film. Death can be a difficult subject for adults to talk about but children have such wonderful ideas about every aspect of life. Watching the film brings a range of emotions, and I hope others find it useful.”

When asked ‘what happens when you die?’ the students aged between four and five years old, gave answers including ‘you sit on a star’, ‘your garden goes on top of you’ and how their pet cats go in jars!

The three minute film on Keech Hospice Care’s Facebook and Twitter pages has already received nearly 500 shares across social media.

Elaine Tolliday, Interim Clinical Director at Keech Hospice Care, said the innocence and honesty of the children is helping to throw open a conversation people often find difficult to have.

“As far as we know, Keech Hospice Care is the first ever hospice to do something like this and I’m proud to see us leading the way.

“Talking about death doesn’t bring death closer. It’s about planning for life. Without talking and understanding, death and terminal illness can be a lonely and stressful experience, both for the person who is dying and for their friends and family,” she said.

Eighty-one percent of people have not written down any preferences for their own death, and only 25% of men and just over one in three women (35%) across England have told anyone about their funeral wishes.

“The stats show nearly two-thirds of people (60%) have not written a will,” said Mrs Tolliday.

“By launching our unique film during Dying Matters Week, we hope everybody will follow the lead of our brilliant young students and be open about what they want to happen when they die.”

To view Keech Hospice Care’s film

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For further information contact Lorna Milton, Senior PR Officer at Keech Hospice Care on 01582 497874/ 07824606856 or at lmilton@keech.org.uk.