A chance to say farewell: Living Wakes

More and more people are taking the opportunity to celebrate their lives with friends before it is too late

Recently it was reported that Pete Betts, a UK senior civil servant who spent 35 years at the centre of the international response to climate change, was having a party. Not unusual but what was different was that, aged 63, he had just been diagnosed with a malignant brain tumour and given months to live. “It’s a bit strange to have a party to mark one’s impending death” Peter wrote in his invitation to friends and colleagues. But that is what happened with people travelling from all over the world to thank Pete in their own way. Lib Dem leader Ed Davey turned up in a short sleeved white shirt he had worn in honour of Betts. Ed Miliband , former Labour leader, said Betts had “taught us all something extraordinary in the way you’ve handled your illness because you’ve done it with such incredible bravery and courage and honesty and humour.”

Speaking later, Pete suggested there were two things that had helped him with this shocking news. One was the sense that he was loved and valued; the second is a sense that one’s life has been useful.

What does this teach all of us even if we have not received such a diagnosis? Value your friends and value your moments - and a party with friends is never a bad idea!