Paola Marra, the former wife of Blur drummer Dave Rowntree, left behind a substantial estate valued at nearly £1 million after choosing to end her life at a Swiss clinic following her battle with terminal breast and bowel cancer.
Despite her diagnosis, Paola spent her final days enjoying life in London, indulging in fine dining and afternoon teas.
Her will reflected her strong sense of generosity.
She donated £4,000 each to cancer support charities such as Wigs for Heroes, A Space Between, and Secondary Sisters.
She also gifted £10,000 to a friend in Cornwall to help care for her pets, including her elderly whippet named Stanley.
Paola’s commitment to giving extended to her loved ones, with most of her £941,004 estate going to her siblings in Canada, while her former husband, Dave Rowntree, received £50,000, along with her artwork and the contents of her Finchley home.
Facing Terminal Illness and the Difficult Choice
Paola’s decision to end her life at Switzerland’s Dignitas clinic was driven by her desire to control her circumstances and avoid prolonged suffering.
Although she initially planned to travel alone to avoid legal risks for anyone accompanying her, she later reconsidered and asked Rowntree to join her.
Tragically, she ultimately changed her mind again and passed away on her own the following day.
In a heartfelt posthumous video message, Paola urged for changes in UK laws to legalize assisted dying.
She described terminal illness as a “slow erosion of dignity” and emphasized that her decision was not about giving up but about reclaiming control.
Paola believed assisted dying was about dignity, respect, and the right to end suffering on one’s own terms.
Dave Rowntree’s Advocacy for Assisted Dying
Rowntree, known for his versatile career as a musician, lawyer, and politician, strongly supported Paola’s call for legal reform.
He condemned the UK’s current assisted dying laws, calling them “psychopathic” for forcing terminally ill individuals to die alone and unsupported.
He criticized the system for abandoning people during their most vulnerable moments and highlighted the importance of compassion in end-of-life decisions.
Having lost his father to bowel cancer, Rowntree emphasized that terminally ill patients deserve the right to choose a dignified death surrounded by their loved ones.
Ongoing Debate on Assisted Dying in the UK
The conversation around assisted dying continues to gain momentum in the UK.
While assisted dying laws are legal in countries like Canada, New Zealand, and parts of the United States and Australia, the UK has yet to follow suit.
However, progress is being made — the Isle of Man recently passed legislation pending Royal Assent, and discussions are advancing in Jersey and Scotland.
In November last year, MPs voted in favor of a proposal to legalize assisted dying in England and Wales.
Remembering Paola Marra
Despite divorcing nearly 20 years before her passing, Paola and Rowntree remained close, with the musician offering his support throughout her final journey.
Her courage, generosity, and powerful message continue to inspire discussions about end-of-life choices and the need for compassionate legal reforms.