It wasn’t what I’d expected, but I should have realised it was likely.
On Saturday morning, two days ago, Dignity in Dying issued a press release about the Assisted Dying Bill going through Parliament. It focused on the importance of the Bill and on the polls showing that the majority of Brits support such a change. There were statements from Baroness Meacher who introduced the Bill and from Sarah Wootton the Chief Executive of Dignity in Dying, There was also reference to my story, with quotes regarding the current Inadequacy of the law. I thought it was well-balanced. It’s here – click it.
We’d been asked to supply a few mugshots of me in case the news and other media outlets needed a pic.
They did more than that. They turned the whole thing over, pushing the DP story up front. It’s not what I’d expected and not what I wanted, but I should have realised it might happen: they use the ‘human interest’ angle to grab and keep readers’ attention.
It was embarrassing for me but it’s done now. I believe Dignity in Dying is pleased with the coverage and is confident that their main messages about the law and the nation’s majority views did get through; so it’s been worthwhile.
Help me. Here are a few of the outlets that we know covered it: Sky News, East Anglian Daily Times, Polish News, The Scotsman, Bristol Post, Belfast Telegraph, Wales Online, Leicester Mercury, Nottingham Post, Dorset Echo, Shropshire Star, The Express and Star, Bournemouth Echo, Surrey Comet. Any more that you know of?
It is said that “No man is gone, while his name is still spoken” and your name has been spoken many times over the years. Only a couple of weeks ago Liz Wilde was asking if we knew of your whereabouts. Liz has lived for decades in the Tuscan hill town of Coreglia, Antelminelli where we also have a house ( though we live most of the time in Scotland) and has often spoken of her determination to follow the Dignitas route should the need ever arise – though if you remember her ( and she hasn’t changed at all) it’s more likely that she’ll be pushed off a cliff long before that! On a more serious note, we are very conscious of the AD debate as Antony’s sister has Muscular Dystrophy . I’m so sorry we haven’t been able to make contact before; it would have been fun to swap a few stories from happier times in Dhahran. Thinking of you – and speaking your name.
Hello both! Good to hear from you and thank you so much for your kind words. What will be will be, I suppose. I’m pretty reconciled to it. Would be nice that to feel that my name will be mentioned ‘later’. All very much appreciated.
Liz spotted a picture she thought might be of you recently. Sad to hear of your illness but impressed at your determination to choose your time to depart. Have fond memories of musical times in Dhahran, and of seven years conducting the Coreglia Antelminelli town band and being addressed as “Maestro Lorenzo”. You will be spoken of when Geoff and Tony get here in a couple of weeks.
Thank you Laurie, and Liz, and Hello! Long time! Thanks for the update. Well done! And thanks for the kind words.
And very best wishes from me
Back on 26 August there was a post to an Icelandic Facebook Page (Assisted Dying) about you… and referring to a BBC report 3 August… scroll down to 26 August
https://www.facebook.com/lifsvirding/
When Tom told us about the Sky piece on Saturday, I ecosia-ed you to see if in other media that day. The other one I saw was the Daily Mirror – overwhelmingly supportive comments below the line. Both the DiD piece and all the others following it are definitely helping to get these vital messages out. Well done again you sir 👏
I’m sorry that it wasn’t what you were expecting or wanted and do hope it wasn’t upsetting when you have so much to contend with. But hope you also feel very proud. We certainly feel very proud of you! As Chris and others have said, you have done so much to help raise public awareness. I heard very positive comments on BH on Sunday morning when discussing an article in The Times about the AD Bill. Lots of love
Always in our thoughts … no publicity needed for that!
Thinking of you each day and will to help you if needed love always
Hello David, Graeme Eddie sent me your news. We had often spoken of you and wondered where life had taken you. Remember me? We played recorders together in Dhahran in distant days. I often think of you and of those days. Since then my life has taken me through many places, trials and vicissitudes, as well as times of exultant happiness. Now I am back home in Cumbria, living in Kendal just half a mile from where I was born and looking straight out on the great west door of the Parish Church where my great great grandparents were wedt in 1819: two centuries and the cycle is complete, or so it seems. I can honestly say that I am happier now than I have ever been for many years. I was Abdullatif; perhaps I still am, but I am now an active member and kind of custodian of Kendal Unitarians, who have been dedicated to civil and religious liberty for over 300 years and where our chapel forms a true sanctuary for all comers. So I am on your side, my heart or my spirit or what you will goes with you wherever you are and will be. Love and thoughts, John
And hello John. Of course I remember you. Those years in Saudi Arabia stay very fresh in the mind. Thank you for the ‘life summary’’, It’s so good to hear you say you’re happier now than for many years. Well done. And thank you for your kind words. Very much appreciated. David.