Planning ahead for a funeral is a topic people prefer to avoid, but the event ‘You Only Die Once’ is hoping to break the taboo surrounding the subject.

Held during Dying Matters Awareness Week, May 12 to 18, Trinity Hospice is joining forces with Poppy’s Funerals to put on a special Q & A panel event.

The aim of the event is to encourage people to talk, think and act on the importance of preparing for death by taking apart the myths that surround the subject.

The expert panel of speakers will include two families, Trinity Hospice’s community nursing manager Cathy Maylin, and Poppy Mardall, director of Poppy’s Funerals.

The panel invites conversation to be open and honest as they share their stories and experiences of death and funeral planning, declaring that there is no question they won’t answer.

Ms Maylin said: "Death is something we all experience, but many people are still afraid to talk about it.

"I hope this event will dispel some of the misconceptions surrounding death and funerals."

The May 14 evening will run from 6.30pm to 8.30pm.

To book a free place at this event, email isabel@poppysfunerals.co.uk by May 2.