Dignity in Dying statement on the death of Eric, Lord Avebury

We are sad to hear that Eric Avebury has died after living for many years with a rare blood cancer. He had been a great supporter of Dignity in Dying in the House of Lords and a regular contributor to our strategy meetings. His insights and skills, honed after over 50 years of Parliamentary service, were greatly appreciated during the passage of Lord Falconer’s Assisted Dying Bill.

Eric spoke with clarity on his support for assisted dying – and the Assisted Dying Bill – and the choice it would give him and thousands of others like him, to take control of their deaths rather than suffering unnecessarily. That he continued to campaign and to work, even while suffering from a terminal disease and the illnesses that accompanied it, reflects on his indomitable personality and huge commitment to public service.

Our thoughts are with Eric’s family. May he rest in peace.