Comedy of the Week Stuart Mitchell's Cost of Dying
Aug 18, 2025
Stuart Mitchell, a comedian and former banker turned funeral-organiser, takes a humorous dive into the often-overlooked costs associated with dying. He shares personal anecdotes about the hefty expenses related to end-of-life care, revealing that the financial burden can soar over £314,000! With a blend of dark comedy and heartfelt reflections, Stuart discusses the challenges families face when a terminal diagnosis strikes, making us all reconsider if we can truly afford to kick the bucket!
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Personal End-Of-Life Experience
- Stuart Mitchell arranged six family funerals and worked nearly two decades in end-of-life charities, giving him direct experience with dying costs.
- He also worked as a banker before that, which he uses for comic contrast and context.
Terminal Diagnosis Can Devastate Income
- A terminal diagnosis often triggers an immediate and large drop in income that can outweigh treatment costs.
- Stuart shows his dad's earnings fell from £550 to £172.50 weekly, creating a significant financial deficit before death.
High Systemic Cost Of Palliative Treatment
- Palliative treatments like chemotherapy can cost the NHS tens of thousands per round and billions annually.
- Stuart cites up to £30,000 per round and about £1.4 billion per year in chemotherapy costs.