Kim Cattrall – I believe in choice

I believe in choice, and am thrilled to support Dignity in Dying’s campaign by being a Patron.

I grew up at a time, in contrast to my parents, where I had control over how I wanted to spend my life, where I wanted to spend it, and when I wanted to make changes. I have had control over my destiny to some degree.

When my best friend had a massive stroke in her 40’s, it got to the stage where it looked like she wouldn’t recover, and her doctors asked her husband and me to consider whether she would want further treatment. It made me question whether I would want control over my death as well. And I know I would.

“I would like to have a say in how I die…”

I would like to have a say in how I die, and ideally I would like to die peacefully in bed. In films and books those who are dying rather romantically often have a few weeks or days to say their goodbyes, reflect on their lives or have a set time to complete their bucket list. But something my mother told me about made me think that perhaps that’s not the best way to die after all.

I spoke to my mother on the phone last night, we speak most days, and she was sad because one of her friends had died on Wednesday. When I asked her about it she said ‘She was fine on Monday, and now she’s gone.’ I asked her how she died, and she said ‘in her sleep’. In that case, I replied, raise a glass! She didn’t know anything about it, she didn’t suffer. What a way to go!

I really admire Dignity in Dying and what they’re trying to do. If lending my name helps the campaign, then I’m pleased I’ve played my part in what, I know, will be a historic achievement when the law changes.

Set out your end-of -life wishes 

If, like Kim, you would like to have control and set out your end of life decisions you can visit our partner charity Compassion in Dying’s site to find out more about advance decisions.