This important finding has the potential to reshape global approaches to cancer recovery.

In the UK, around 31,800 colon cancer cases are diagnosed annually, leading to 9,500 fatalities each year. Among patients with advanced colon cancer, research indicates that 30% experience a relapse and ultimately die following their initial treatment.

While this trial focused specifically on colon cancer, researchers believe that the positive effects of exercise may extend to improving outcomes for various other cancer types.

The CO21 Challenge trial, partly funded by Cancer Research UK’s Stand Up To Cancer initiative, involved 889 participants who completed chemotherapy and surgery for advanced colon cancer over the course of the study from 2009 to 2023.

Of these patients, 445 were randomly assigned to a structured exercise program, while the remaining participants received health education resources that emphasized physical activity and proper nutrition.

The exercise program aimed for participants to boost their activity levels by ten metabolic equivalent task hours weekly, equivalent to approximately three to four brisk walks of 45 to 60 minutes each or three to four 25-minute jogging sessions.

Participants collaborated with personal trainers to craft individualized “exercise prescriptions” tailored to their fitness levels and preferences, incorporating activities like swimming, circuit training, running, and walking.

The program extended over three years, beginning with biweekly coaching sessions in the first year, which transitioned to monthly meetings in subsequent years.

Results showed that after five years, 80% of patients who exercised regularly were cancer-free, compared to 74% in the control group, representing a 28% reduction in the risk of cancer recurrence or mortality within this timeframe.

Eight years post-treatment, the overall survival rate was 90% in the exercise group versus 83% in the control group, indicating a 37% decrease in death risk associated with the exercise intervention.

Lead researcher Christian Booth from Queen’s University in Canada stated, “For every 14 patients who participated in the exercise program, one life was saved. This survival advantage was particularly linked to reduced mortality from colon cancer, rather than cardiovascular complications.”

Booth emphasized that this trial establishes a new benchmark in colon cancer care, showcasing how a structured exercise regimen following surgery and chemotherapy can considerably enhance fitness, extend disease-free survival, and improve overall life expectancy. He noted, “The magnitude of benefit from this approach is significant.”

In addition to benefits for colon cancer, signs indicated that fewer participants in the exercise group developed breast cancer — only two out of those receiving exercise prescriptions compared to 12 in the control group.

Sir Stephen Powis, the national medical director of NHS, remarked that these groundbreaking findings imply that intentional exercise, from leisurely walks to intense workouts, can significantly enhance the body’s defenses against cancer recurrence and ultimately save lives.

Powis acknowledged that post-treatment exercise can present challenges, but advised that specialized teams within the NHS can support cancer patients in increasing their physical activity following treatment completion.

The trial’s findings were shared at the American Society for Clinical Oncology’s (ASCO) annual meeting in Chicago and highlighted a session titled “As Good as a Drug.”

Julie Gralow, ASCO’s chief medical officer and executive vice-president, suggested renaming the session to “Better Than a Drug” due to the absence of typical side effects associated with medication.

Gralow added, “The benefits observed are comparable to those many drugs achieve approval for — a 28% reduced risk of recurrence and a 37% decreased risk of death. Drugs typically retrieve approval for far less efficacy and often come with high costs and toxicity.”

Participants Share Inspiring Stories

Margaret Tubridy, a participant from north Belfast, expressed delight in discovering regular exercise through the trial. The 69-year-old, diagnosed with colon cancer five years ago, currently shows no signs of disease recurrence.

“I had never exercised before, but with support and encouragement, I was able to increase my walking, which led to participating in gym classes. Now I engage in weight training twice weekly and participate in a walking group,” said Tubridy.

A grandmother of five, Tubridy added, “It’s been nearly five years since my diagnosis and I feel great, thanks to my involvement in the trial. I’m stronger, fitter, and less anxious than ever. I never anticipated being active at 69, but I’ve truly enjoyed it.”

The study, featuring participants from six countries and led by the Canadian Cancer Trials Group, is the first randomized controlled trial to investigate the benefits of exercise in cancer recovery.

Professor Charles Swanton, chief clinician at Cancer Research UK, remarked, “Exercise presents extraordinary advantages for patients — an intervention that is not a drug. For some individuals with colon cancer, engaging in physical activity can significantly alter the trajectory of their recovery. These findings suggest that oncologists should consider endorsing structured exercise programs post-surgery to enhance patients’ survival odds.”

The research findings were published in the New England Journal of Medicine.

Keratosis pilaris, often abbreviated to KP, results from hair follicles, particularly on the upper arms, becoming blocked with excess keratin. The solution lies in removing this build-up through skin exfoliation. In the past, exfoliation often meant scrubbing forcefully with gritty substances, a method that was far too abrasive—like using an industrial scrubber on delicate fabric. Fortunately, modern liquid exfoliants are available now, but physical exfoliants still play a necessary role, especially when they aren’t too abrasive. The ideal approach combines both methods, which brings us to today’s highlighted product: the First Aid Beauty KP Bump Eraser Body Scrub (£27, asos.com).

This scrub is designed to be effective without being overly harsh and boasts a 10 percent concentration of AHAs—specifically, glycolic acid and lactic acid chemical exfoliants. It’s a fantastic blend of both worlds! Personally, while I don’t suffer from KP, I have noticed my upper arms lacked the smoothness I desired, especially as summer approached. This product managed to improve my skin considerably within a matter of days.

Additionally, while not the central feature, the scrub has a delightful peach scent. I find this fragrance tantalizing—perhaps due to nostalgic memories of a peach bubble bath from my childhood. The dual benefit of treating bumps along with a pleasant aroma makes the experience enjoyable. However, to clarify, while I don’t have KP, there’s a possibility that your bumps may not disappear if you do. It’s effective for minor skin imperfections, and for those looking for a budget-friendly option, this is a worthwhile choice. Using body scrubs can be quite satisfying! I paired this with a complementary product from the same brand, the KP Smoothing + Brightening Body Lotion containing 10% AHA + Urea (£30, asos.com) for optimal results.

India Loves

Wear Sur la Tête offers excellent lightweight, breathable sun hats that keep your head cool. Made from a cotton-linen blend, these hats feature an adjustable drawstring for a comfortable fit and can be easily packed into a bag. Among their various styles, the wide-brimmed Monaco model is particularly appealing, priced at £27.

Porter’s friend responds with playful confusion, asking, “Is that all you rang me for? Okay well, sleep well, my sweet prince.” Their conversation concludes with heartfelt “love you” exchanges, showcasing a surprising depth of camaraderie.

The phenomenon has seen an explosion of popularity recently, with hundreds of thousands of views on similar videos. Men’s humorous and sometimes endearing reactions to these nighttime calls have become a highlight of this trend.

Prominent figures such as NFL athlete Mike Sainristil have also joined the fun, sharing videos of themselves calling teammates to say goodnight, which have collectively garnered nearly 1 million likes.

In a personal reflection, I questioned my boyfriend about whether he had ever made such a call. He hadn’t, which seems typical among men in their twenties, highlighting how rare these interactions are.

You can often hear the surprise in young men’s voices when they receive these goodnight calls. Their baffled responses, ranging from “What do you mean?” to “Seriously?” bring laughs to viewers, while the callers struggle to contain their amusement.

What starts as a lighthearted prank often transitions into more meaningful conversations, with friends discussing their days and feelings, frequently ending the calls on a loving note.

The emotional expressions captured in these videos, many recorded by the callers’ girlfriends or family members, have resonated deeply with female audiences. One user, whose comment received 21,000 likes, called for normalizing such displays of male friendship, noting, “I love that the boys say I love you to each other.”

Encouraging men to check in with their friends and share their feelings is increasingly important, particularly as male loneliness rises. A 2021 survey by The Survey Centre on American Life revealed that fewer than one in three men had engaged in a private conversation with a friend about personal feelings in the last week. Additionally, research from the Movember Foundation in 2018 found that 27% of men reported having no close friends.

Jake Paul, a well-known American influencer and boxer with 18.7 million followers on TikTok, also participated in the trend. When he told e-sports player FaZe Banks that he hoped he sleeps well, Banks humorously inquired whether it was part of a TikTok or streaming endeavor.

The trend’s popularity has spurred female TikTok users to create their own variations. One amusing video featuring a group of female roommates showcases their landlord, who, after receiving a goodnight call, offers to share a bedtime story, racking up 1 million likes.

Another woman entertained viewers as she called her HR colleague to say goodnight, leaving them both chuckling as she expressed her intent to get an early night. Such scenarios add an amusing twist to the original concept.

People often advise, “Don’t sweat the small stuff,” and I once attempted to grapple with larger issues, such as the concept of mortality. I found this exercise unsettling and have since resolved to focus on the small annoyances — and sometimes, I’ll add onions to that list. I perpetually feel irked, leading to a constant sense of fatigue, yet I accept this as the cost of avoiding deeper existential questions. My existence seems tied to these “micro-stresses.”

These include: Netflix recommendations that miss the mark completely; commuters who reserve the seat next to them with a bag while others are forced to stand; television series that spend excessive time previewing what’s next and summarizing what happened before a break, leaving barely any actual content; stopping for a pedestrian at a zebra crossing, only to receive an unwanted “thank you” (It’s the law!); Tube passengers oblivious to “stand clear of the closing doors,” even as the doors repeatedly attempt to shut on them; whatever comments come from Robert Jenrick; Disney’s trend of recasting their heroines as empowered figures; discarded chicken bones on the sidewalk, posing a choking hazard for dogs; insecurities about my upper arms; insurance companies that inflate premiums annually; the phrase “please place the correct item in the bagging area”; referring to Andrew Tate merely as an “online influencer” instead of how many would prefer to describe him; and pedestrians who do not show gratitude at crosswalks (considered impolite).

Moreover: that new sign on buses encouraging riders to “Thank your driver. It will make their day” (what’s next, a kiss on the cheek?); grimy bathroom grout; hard-boiled eggs stubbornly clinging to their shells; cinematic trailers that reveal entire plots; men with bald heads who maintain a single ponytail; hearing lengthy accounts of books that someone doesn’t wish to read for their book club (just quit!); overpriced fruit labeled as “ripe and ready;” mixed responses to social issues following the Liverpool incident; plums sold with the promise to “ripen at home” that never do; emails from the wrong Deborah Ross regarding her car and dental reviews; parents who leave restaurants in disarray for staff to clean; recipes that don’t resemble the illustrated version; housemates who leave barely any juice in the carton; persistent scam calls; the unsettling gap between train platforms and the trains (what if I were to fall?); and the hospital consultant who offers a helpline number yet acknowledges no one answers or returns calls.

And now, has Robert Jenrick made yet another statement? Whatever it is, I’m sure it’s aggravating too.

(My book, “Sweat the Small Stuff and Let It Control Your Life,” can be found in various bookstores.)

Jenrick’s Cultural Missteps

Regarding Robert Jenrick, picking a favorite moment is quite challenging given the numerous options available. After careful consideration, I think my top choice would be his web chat with Mumsnet concerning women’s rights. The unfortunate reality is that he struggles to navigate the cultural dialogues correctly.

The discussion began reasonably well. When asked how he would safeguard women’s rights in female-only spaces such as prisons and rape crisis centers, he was queried whether biological sex should sometimes take precedence over transgender identities for safety and privacy.

Jenrick responded affirmatively, emphasizing the need for kindness and clarity regarding what defines a woman. However, when asked about individuals who have transitioned and possess a gender recognition certificate, he found it “tricky” and commented on the necessity to distinguish between transmen and women. His views sparked confusion and highlighted his grasp of appropriate terms as inadequate, especially in the context of the discussion. He further expressed concerns surrounding transmen competing in men’s sports, which many have found problematic.

As I’ve grown older, I’ve added a different layer to this practice. I express my gratitude through actions, particularly here in this church hall, which carries the familiar scent of old radiators, warm dust, polished floors, and tea.

Speaking of tea, a large samovar rumbles softly at the back of the hall, today working overtime. While church halls typically serve tea for social gatherings, today they serve a deeper purpose; north London is participating in a blood donation event.

“Could I have your name, age, and address, please?”

The parking lot is filled with large trucks, akin to a movie set. One might expect to see an actress like Emma Thompson stepping out of a trailer or perhaps some quirky extras from a sci-fi series.

However, this isn’t a filming location; it’s the blood donation service. The story here revolves around the ongoing and remarkable function of the NHS, making its rounds throughout the year to neighborhoods, encouraging people to contribute to one of humanity’s most vital acts: donating blood to those in critical need.

I grab the clipboard and find a seat, relishing the fact that I can safely tick “no” on every medical question: no heart conditions, not recently pregnant, no recent tattoos, no coughs, nor unprotected sex with new partners in the last six months. My life is comfortably uneventful, and I prefer it that way — it’s much simpler than adapting to a situation involving a new partner at my age.

“Let’s proceed with your blood test,” an attendant says.

They need to verify that I’m not anemic. I’ve struggled with this before. I didn’t realize that taking iron supplements in the morning, followed by a large cup of tea, negates the iron’s benefits. I’ve been sent home three times for having insufficient iron levels.

Today, a nurse pricks my fingertip and collects a blood drop in a small glass phial of copper sulfate. Watching the drop resemble a tiny red bead, I observe as it sinks slowly—indicating my blood’s iron content and its suitability for donation.

I feel a sense of pride as it descends.

“Someone’s been eating their spinach!”

I have indeed! Alongside my spinach, I’ve switched to taking iron supplements at night and avoiding tea before bed.

Now, I move into the main donation area, a space always filled with good intentions. Everyone here has come to make a positive impact by giving part of themselves to an anonymous recipient.

Nearby, a father in his thirties is explaining blood components to his toddler, who is comfortably seated in her stroller. He’s sharing details about white and red platelets, as if a two-year-old would find that riveting. She is probably more captivated by the environment than his scientific explanations.

Next to them sits a sharply dressed businessman, embodying a persona likely filled with authority outside of this context. Yet today, he’s stepped away from his high-pressure role, perhaps driven by a recent personal experience that prompted this act of kindness.

I often forget that I feel emotional during these donations, and I do. As I settle on the donation bed and observe the needle delicately enter my vein, I remain in awe of this process. It’s a profound act of compassion.

This space represents an opportunity to give love—not directed at a specific person, but in a broader sense, to humanity itself. You reaffirm your commitment to the well-being of others. In essence, you’re saying you don’t want anyone to suffer in vain.

Somewhere, in a critical moment, another person’s world may unravel, leading to emergency services and family members frantically hoping for a miracle. And that miracle can be facilitated through donations like mine.

As I relax in the donation chair, I think about how remarkable it is to easily give something life-changing. Many dream of grand acts of heroism, yet in reality, the opportunity often does not present itself.

Donating blood may be the most significant contribution one can make. A quick procedure that takes mere minutes can result in saving a life. You might never fully comprehend how your actions could affect the world positively.

This is the reality: a team of diligent nurses quietly preparing blood supplies for emergencies, whether they’re caused by accidents or routine medical needs. The only universally accessible reserve we have is a blood bank—a reserve that anyone could potentially rely on someday.

Reflecting on my experience on the way home, I feel uplifted. It’s similar to leaving a museum or a concert—those places where humanity shines. It’s incredible that we can create spaces that celebrate our creativity, intelligence, and kindness. If you’re considering a way to be hopeful, think about blood donation. You can save a life in just 20 minutes while enjoying a biscuit, becoming the relaxed hero anyone can aspire to be.

Three weeks later, I receive a text notification—right after confirmation about a pickup order. It reads, “Your blood donation was utilized today at Addenbrooke’s Hospital, Cambridge. Thank you.”

There won’t be a more gratifying message this year. I truly appreciate this experience and the opportunity to give back.

According to recent data from Kantar Worldpanel, UK banana sales increased by 70 million units last year, pushing the market’s value close to £700 million.

This surge equates to an average of over 80 bananas purchased per adult in the UK last year, confirming bananas as the country’s top fruit. If aligned end to end, these bananas would encircle the planet approximately 16 times.

Tesco reported an additional 15 million bananas sold last year alone, enough to span the distance from John O’Groats to Land’s End more than six times. The retailer highlighted that growing health awareness around bananas has positively impacted sales, bolstered by the fruit’s versatility as a foundational ingredient in smoothies, milkshakes, and baking. In conjunction with this, there has been a notable rise in blender sales.

Bananas are a powerhouse of nutrition, boasting potassium which supports heart health and aids in blood pressure control, alongside being rich in magnesium and vitamins B6 and C. Their high fiber content also promotes digestive well-being.

Dan Bentley, a banana buyer for Tesco, noted, “Bananas have never been more popular due to their nutritional benefits and adaptability in cooking, baking, and beverage preparation.”

This trend coincides with a remarkable increase in blender sales, amounting to nearly £500 million last year in the UK. The UK now represents approximately a third of the European blender market, as reported by Cognitive Market Research, which forecasted annual sales growth exceeding 10 percent over the next five years, driven by the demand for smoothies, soups, and sauces.

The rise in banana consumption is also attributed to social media influencers. A blueberry banana bread recipe by London nutritionist Emily English garnered over 100 million views in the past year. Additionally, TikTok influencer Smoothie_guy’s videos, which frequently feature bananas, have amassed tens of millions of views.

Other popular food influencers who incorporate bananas into their recipes include Carleigh Bodrug, Holly Jade, and Adina Akhmetova, collectively attracting millions of followers. Akhmetova’s TikTok video demonstrating caramelized bananas on peanut butter toast has nearly two million views.

However, the soaring popularity of bananas has raised concerns about food waste, with over one million bananas disposed of daily according to the food waste charity Wrap, primarily due to their tendency to bruise and ripen rapidly.

In response, Tesco has introduced a new line of “ripen at home” bananas with a shelf life of roughly four days, allowing consumers to manage their shopping more effectively. These bananas will be packaged with clear labeling and sold at 78p for five, which aligns with the price of their ripe counterparts.

Bentley stated, “We recognize that bananas can ripen quickly. By providing customers with an option for a ‘longer shelf life’ banana, we hope to empower them to shop wisely for the week, ultimately helping reduce waste at home.”

Banana and coconut smoothie recipe:

100g coconut yogurt, 3 tablespoons of milk, ½ teaspoon of ground turmeric, 3cm piece of fresh ginger (peeled), 2 teaspoons of baobab powder (optional), 1 ripe banana, 1 teaspoon of honey, 1 tablespoon of oats, Juice of half a lemon

Add the coconut yogurt and milk to a blender, then incorporate the turmeric, ginger, and baobab powder (if using). Includes the remaining ingredients, and blend until smooth.

Source: BBC Good Food

However, a study published in Current Psychology analyzed 285 college students and suggests that my emoji judgments might have been misguided. Instead of focusing on cringeworthy usage, I could have been assessing deeper psychological traits. The research indicates that men who frequently use emojis might possess Machiavellian tendencies. Thus, my self-preservation could be interpreted as discerning taste, steering clear of potentially manipulative individuals.

Emoji trends come and go—knee-length denim shorts are making a comeback, along with laughing crying faces, which I have grown to love. The more dramatic, the better. In our current climate of global tension and uncertainty, embracing a maximalist texting style seems more appealing. My go-to is the sobbing face, frequently exchanged in chats with my best friend. If we run out of pasta, I’ll send ten. Miss a train? Another fifteen. Facing rejection? Twenty sobbing faces. We also use them positively, like when she gifts me a chocolate treat—I might send a dozen happy emojis in return. Our conversations are a torrent of bright, cartoonish expressions.

What was once perceived as lame has now become trendy. The monkey covering its eyes and various silly tongue emojis are now fair game in texting. However, the Current Psychology study indicates that women who excessively use emojis may lean towards narcissistic behaviors. I’ll save that dilemma for another day. Still, I maintain some boundaries; there are certain emojis I prefer to avoid, such as the aubergine or the cheeky wink. The study also noted that men have a penchant for sending poop emojis, which I definitely could do without.

That said, there’s potential for emoji rehabilitation. The secret lies in embracing excess and irony; sincere emoji usage can seem overly earnest and off-putting. That’s also true for text punctuation. In my quest to avoid it, I would often insert sparkles or foliage to break up my text. Now, I’ve adapted to using commas, though periods still make me uncomfortable—they feel too final and formal.

Sincerity in communication is reserved for serious discussions, especially during conflicts. That’s when I consciously employ proper grammar and punctuation, signaling careful consideration, along with more restrained emojis. After resolving a disagreement, I might throw in a couple of heart emojis, typically in red or pink, or sometimes green when I’m feeling particularly cheeky. Having absorbed insights from pop culture, such as the film Adolescence, I know that for younger generations, colors carry distinct meanings—red for love, green for friendship. A colleague’s friend often sends purple hearts, and she should take note, as this may imply romantic interest.

Perhaps the simplest solution is to forgo emojis entirely. That way, no one could label you as Machiavellian or narcissistic.

According to research conducted by business insurance specialists Premierline, more than two-thirds of young daters express a preference for dining in restaurants on first dates, with about a third specifically favoring food markets.

While the concept of “going for a drink” may have dominated dating scenes in the past, a trend towards sober experiences is emerging among younger generations. Tinder’s survey reveals that motivations for this shift include the desire for authentic connections (42%) and engaging conversations (39%).

Natalie, a 24-year-old executive search consultant from Bristol, emphasized that meaningful conversations over dinner enhance someone’s attractiveness.

“Having a few drinks can be enjoyable on a first date, but if it’s just drinks, you might end up intoxicated and uncertain about whether you genuinely connected with the person or just had fun,” she shared.

“Dinner dates are more intense, and I’ve had great experiences starting with a sober meal before transitioning to drinks, which really helps in getting to know someone better.”

Dr. Limor Gottlieb, a psychologist specializing in relationships, notes that sober dining may serve as a form of emotional “foreplay” for a generation that values connection highly.

“While millennials sought chemistry, Gen Z is focused on compatibility, which requires real conversation,” she explained.

“They’ve witnessed the exhaustion of swipe culture, the loneliness from casual relationships, and the instability of ‘situationships.’ What they truly want are meaningful connections, and dinner provides a setting conducive to conversation, understanding, and the important nuances that help assess long-term compatibility. Dinner acts as a screening method.”

24-year-old PhD student Adam, also from Bristol, remarked that depending on alcohol for conversation can sometimes make dates seem “transactional.”

“Sober dating has its benefits,” he said. “It allows for a more truthful assessment of your feelings towards someone. I’ve been on dates where drinking clouded my judgment, and the next day I was left questioning if the connection was real or just the influence of alcohol.”

“Relying on alcohol is the easier option, but having a proper conversation is crucial to avoid feelings of emptiness in the connection.”

Felicity Walsh, 24, who works in events in London, discussed the uniqueness of dinner dates. “I might agree to drinks for a first meeting, but eating in front of someone can be anxiety-inducing, with concerns about spills or awkward situations. However, a lack of originality in wanting just drinks on subsequent dates is a red flag for me.”

Nonetheless, dinner dates come with their own set of challenges, particularly for those less skilled at table etiquette. A survey by the restaurant chain Giggling Squid found that 46% of respondents are deterred by someone talking with their mouth full, while 45% are put off by loud chewing.

A third of dating experiences saw interruptions due to bad breath, 33% cited discomfort from someone gargling, and 28% found food spills off-putting.

In a poll conducted by The Times, around 33% of adults admitted they seldom share their experiences related to grief, with 20% indicating they completely suppress their feelings.

This survey, which involved 2,000 UK adults, was initiated in preparation for the upcoming Celebration Day on May 26, a day dedicated to commemorating the lives of those who have passed away.

Launched in 2022, Celebration Day draws inspiration from cultural traditions, such as Mexico’s Day of the Dead, which aim to celebrate lives rather than dwell on sadness.

Dame Prue Leith shared with The Times her intention to pay tribute to her deceased parents and siblings, acknowledging herself as the “sole survivor” of her family.

Notable advocates for Celebration Day include Chris Robshaw, former captain of the England rugby team, who lost his father at the age of five.

Robshaw remarked on the British tendency to maintain emotional restraint, stating, “We tend to have a bit of a stiff upper lip and try to move on. It should be a good thing to celebrate and enjoy those moments and speak about it a little more.”

He elaborated on his family’s unique ways of remembering his father, Alan, a “cheeky chap,” through storytelling and laughter, noting, “Our plan this year is to play some golf in his memory. We’ll enjoy a drink afterward and reminisce.”

He also recalled his family’s remembrance traditions for other relatives, including wearing vibrant shirts that his uncle loved and honoring his wife’s grandfather with a glass of port.

Julia Samuel, a psychotherapist specializing in grief, collaborated on launching Celebration Day.

“Often, we discuss forgetting and moving on. I want to emphasize that Celebration Day is about remembering and connecting and having a special day to honor memories,” she noted.

Samuel stressed the importance of taking moments to reflect, stating, “Without that pause, we might just keep pushing forward without appreciating the connections we have with those who came before us.”

She encourages individuals to share their memories or inquire about the experiences of others regarding lost loved ones.

“People genuinely appreciate discussing the significant figures in their lives who have passed away. They light up when reminiscing. Ask anyone, ‘Tell me about them,’ or suggest looking through albums together to spark conversations about their lives,” Samuel advised.

In honor of her late mother, Samuel plans to celebrate with a cup of tea and a chocolate biscuit, both of which were favorites of her mother.

The research survey was conducted by Research Without Barriers between May 15 and 20.

In observance of Celebration Day this year, 250 WHSmith stores will offer star-shaped pin badges, with proceeds supporting four charities: Mind, the Royal Marsden Cancer Charity, Make-A-Wish, and Hospice UK.

Additionally, 100 National Trust locations will provide free wildflower seeds for planting in memory of loved ones, following the success of a memorial forest initiative by Times readers two years ago.

Celebration Day will be observed annually on May 26, serving as a national occasion to celebrate and honor those who have passed. This year, participants are invited to share their memories on social media using the hashtag #ShareYourStar.