I think it's a shame that ties have become largely obsolete over the last 5 years. I built up quite a collection in the era before Covid and WFH: a few battery and regimental ties from units I served in, a few nice smart ties for formal wear... but mainly a large number of terrible ties from previous fashion eras which I collected for my own amusement. At one point, I even started a "bad tie dinner" tradition which gave me an excuse to wear them regularly.

So, I've decided to just start wearing them again. From today, every time I go into the office, I'm going to wear a different tie from my bad tie collection. And I'll post pictures here, showcasing the garish glory of these sartorial relics.

But this isn't just about me looking a bit silly in the office (although it is mostly about that). I want to use this to draw attention to the incredible work that hospices do up and down the country providing the palliative and end-of-life care that hospitals aren't set up for. Most hospices are small, local and run as charities, and are currently facing financial challenges from rising costs.

St Barnabas Hospice in Lincoln, which has cared for my family members towards the ends of their lives, is one such institution. So I'd like to dedicate my bad tie mission to them. If you enjoy seeing any of the terrible designs I put around my neck, please consider making a small donation to them here.

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St Barnabas Hospice is a local independent charity who supports more than 12,000 people across Lincolnshire affected by a life-limiting or terminal illness each year. They deliver free, high-quality, compassionate end-of-life care and support to patients, their families and carers. They aim to enable them to live as fully as they are able for however many days, weeks or months they have left.

They are reliant on the financial support the community provides, to be there for more patients, their families and carers, every day of the year.