Plan ahead, unlike Vera from Corrie...

Jan 31 2008 by Peter Collins, South Wales Echo

ELDERLY people in Cardiff and Vale of Glamorgan are being urged to plan ahead in case of their unexpected death.

The advice from Age Concern Cardiff and the Vale follows the unexpected death of Coronation Street soap character, Vera Duckworth, who left her family and friends in disarray about her last wishes.

Millions tuned in to the ITV soap last week as Vera left behind her screen husband, Jack.

As well as having to deal with the terrible grief of losing his beloved wife, he also had to begin making all of the arrangements for her funeral without any indication of her wishes.

Lorna Lewis, of Age Concern Cardiff and the Vale, said: “Although this is a soap opera, it does highlight the issue of not making any prior arrangements for when the time comes.

“Coping with the stress of losing loved ones can be very difficult as well as being a huge financial responsibility.

“Age Concern Funeral Plans appreciates that, while pre-planning your funeral may not be something people think about every day, it does make good financial sense.

For further information, contact 0800 731 0651 or log onto: http://www.ageconcern.org.uk/AgeConcern/funeral_plans.asp