Survey finds Londoners value friendship in their final moments – more than any other region

Residents from each region of the UK have revealed what they would do if they had just one day left to live. Go.Compare Life Insurance asked 2,000 adults how they would spend their last 24 hours, showing what’s most important to Brits in every part of the nation.[1]

According to the survey, Yorkshire has the most charitable mindset in the UK, with more residents of God’s Own Country claiming that they would give all their money to charity on their last day than any other region.

Just 6% of respondents living in Yorkshire and the Humber said they would do this, compared to the national average of 4%. In comparison, the least charitable residents reside in the West Midlands, where just 1.5% said they would do this.

The UK is united in their number one priority during their final moments. Spending quality time with family was picked as the top way to use this precious day, with nearly three-quarters (72%) of survey respondents choosing this.

Yet, this was more important to some regions than others. Just 58% of those in the North East selected this as something they would do with their last day, compared to more than three-quarters (79%) of residents in the South West.

The biggest party animals in Britain can be found in Wales. Welsh residents are the most likely to spend all their cash on one huge blowout if they found out they had just a day to live. Almost a fifth (17%) of Welsh residents surveyed say they would do this – the highest of any region.

Meanwhile, Londoners are the most likely to spend this time having a final pint with their mates. 45% say they would enjoy a last drink with friends if they had just a day to live, more than in any other area.

As well as having the most charitable mindset, Yorkshire residents are also the most concerned with making arrangements for after they are gone. A third (34%) of respondents from the region said they would organise a will and funeral details on their last day.

Matt Sanders, life insurance expert at Go.Compare, said: “Preparing for death isn’t something anyone likes to think about, but organising important documents such as your will or funeral requests can help those closest to you. Similarly, life insurance helps your loved ones after you’re gone by making sure they have financial protection. The money can go towards covering funeral costs, alleviating some stress from your family at a difficult time.

“We urge people not to leave life insurance to the last minute. Consider taking out cover as soon as you have dependents who rely on your income, or who may need financial assistance after you’ve passed. Plus, purchasing life insurance sooner rather than later in life usually means your policy will be cheaper.”

More information about the research can be found on Go.Compare’s website.