Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

Paul Merton's wife dies of cancer

Danielle Demetriou
Thursday 25 September 2003 00:00 BST
Comments

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

The wife of the comedian Paul Merton has died after suffering from breast cancer.

Sarah Parkinson, 41, a writer and producer, was diagnosed with cancer in February last year and was pursuing an active life until her condition deteriorated a few weeks ago. She died on Tuesday morning with her husband at her bedside.

The Have I Got News For You star, whose first marriage, to the comedian Caroline Quentin, was dissolved in 1999 after eight years, married Ms Parkinson in June.

In the past three years, Ms Parkinson worked on a number of projects with Merton, including writing Suicidal Dog, a short film that marked his debut as a director and was shown on BBC2. She also helped to devise and write a number of productions for BBC Radio 2 and 4.

In a statement issued by his agent, Mandy Ward, Merton said: "After her initial devastating diagnosis of cancer in February 2002 Sarah successfully lived with the disease for the next 19 months.

"She refused chemotherapy because she knew it would finish her off. Instead, she boosted her immune system with a mixture of nutritional therapy, yoga, meditation, positive thinking and laughter."

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in