NEW research from Sue Ryder, the national healthcare charity, has found that more than half the British public think that remembrance events, such as Sue Ryder’s Walk to Remember, help them to grieve.

More than two thirds of the British public admitted to having a special place they visit to remember someone who has died.

Interestingly, young people were twice as likely as those aged over 55 to have a special place.

Sue Ryder is calling on the public to organise a Walk to Remember this October, either alone or with friends and family to visit their special place and to celebrate the life of the person that died whilst raising money for Sue Ryder, the national healthcare charity.

Not only do the public have a special place, but they are visiting on a regular basis with almost 57 per cent visiting once a month and 95 per cent visiting at least once a year to remember someone who has died. 

There are many reasons why someone may visit a special place to remember someone who has died, but 61 per cent of the British public admit that the biggest reason for visiting is because it made them feel closer to the person. Other reasons included, it helps them grieve (44 per cent), it helps them talk to the person who has died (42 per cent) and it helps them process their emotions (35 per cent).    

“Special places” can vary but the top five places people go to remember someone who has died are:

• The person’s grave (39 per cent)

• Where the person’s ashes were scattered (23 per cent)

• The countryside (16 per cent)

• A local park (11per cent)

• The person’s favourite pub or restaurant (nine per cent) 

Sue Ryder is encouraging the public to get involved in Walk to Remember to raise vital funds for the charity, whilst also encouraging supporters to take the time to remember someone who has died.

The Walk to Remember event asks the public to sign up to walk 5k, 10k or any distance they can manage, and encourages people to create a route that incorporates their “special place” – wherever that may be.

The money raised by taking part in Walk to Remember will go directly towards Sue Ryder’s vital end of life, bereavement and neurological support. 

Bianca Neumann, Head of Bereavement at Sue Ryder, said: "We all deal with grief in very different ways.

“Some of us may want to remember someone who has died on our own at a special place, while others may take comfort in being with other people.

"Walk to Remember is a great fundraising event that allows supporters to walk in memory of someone who has died and do what works for them and their own personal journey through grief, whilst raising vital funds for Sue Ryder."

Caroline Graham, Director of Fundraising at Sue Ryder, said: “Due to the coronavirus pandemic, many people have had to grieve alone this year.  “Walk to Remember is an incredibly special fundraising event that allows supporters to raise vital funds, whilst also helping us grieve by coming together and talking about our loved ones who are no longer with us. 

“The money raised by taking part in Walk to Remember will enable us to continue to provide compassionate and expert end of life, bereavement and neurological support.”

Sue Ryder supports people through the most difficult times of their lives. Whether that’s a terminal illness, the loss of a loved one or a neurological condition.

For over 65 years Sue Ryder’s doctors, nurses and carers have given people the compassion and expert care they need to help them live the best life they possibly can.

To sign up to the Walk to Remember, visit: sueryder.org/walktoremember .