Every year in May, Dying Matters Awareness Week provides an opportunity to focus on the importance of talking about dying, death and bereavement.

As part of last week's activities, Guy's & St Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust released a video featuring Peter and his son Alastair.

The film was made by Eleanor Stanley at Stories for Health.

Supported by specialist nurses Winifred and Louisa, Peter and Alastair share their experience of talking about dying and planning ahead.

Peter shares his wishes about medical treatments and why he chose to appoint a Lasting Power of Attorney for Health and Welfare and for Financial Decisions. 

"From the moment you're born, there's only one end I'm afraid – you don't go on forever," he says. 

"I'd like to: I enjoy life. Planning for one's death is just part of life, anyway."

In the video, Alastair also describes how reassuring it can be to know what those close to you would want at the end of their lives.

For more information, including patient information leaflets and the full video, visit guysandstthomas.nhs.uk/LetsTalk