A 'Before I Die' wall has been officially unveiled on Ipswich's Waterfront.

Located opposite DanceEast, on St Peter's Dock, the installation encourages the local community to write, in the chalk provided, their ambitions for what they hope to do before they die. 

Ipswich Star: Messages have already started to appear on the wallMessages have already started to appear on the wall (Image: St Elizabeth Hospice)

The 'bucket list' style piece of art was unveiled on Friday by charity St Elizabeth Hospice to mark Dying Matters Awareness Week 2023.

St Elizabeth Hospice chief executive office, Judi Newman, and Hugh McElhinney, the hospice’s volunteer community manager, cut the ribbon alongside Ipswich mayor John Cook and Dr. Guy Peryer, who leads on coordinating the Compassionate Communities project in East Anglia.

Ipswich Star: St Elizabeth Hospice chief executive office, Judi Newman, and Hugh McElhinney, the hospice’s volunteer community managerSt Elizabeth Hospice chief executive office, Judi Newman, and Hugh McElhinney, the hospice’s volunteer community manager (Image: St Elizabeth Hospice)

"We are so pleased to bring the ‘Before I Die’ wall initiative to Ipswich and hope this unique idea will encourage the community to open up conversations with friends and loved ones concerning death and how we can all support one another with death, loss and grief," said Mr McElhinney.

"Thank you to Ipswich Borough Council and Art Eat Events for their support with making this possible and a special thank you to all the hospice volunteers who have helped with the painting of the Before I Die wall."

Ipswich Star: Messages on the wall have ranged from hopes of marrying someone to Ipswich Town winning the Premier LeagueMessages on the wall have ranged from hopes of marrying someone to Ipswich Town winning the Premier League (Image: St Elizabeth Hospice)

Messages have already been written on the eight-metre wall, with notes ranging from dreams of Ipswich Town winning the Premier League through to pledges to marry loved ones.

The art project will be on Ipswich’s Waterfront for the month of May, coinciding with 'Dying Matters Awareness Week', which runs from May 8 -14.

Ipswich Star: Mayor John Cook writing his message on the wallMayor John Cook writing his message on the wall (Image: St Elizabeth Hospice)

"Engaging with the 'Before I Die' wall can help us think more about our goals, dreams, and aspirations. It can be a source of motivation, and provide some direction when making key decisions," said Dr. Peryer.

As well as opening up conversations, the ‘Before I Die’ wall also signposts the community to other support services via a QR code included alongside the mural.