‘Inspirational’ trainer who turned to campaigning after terminal most cancers prognosis dies
Nathaniel Dye was made a Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) for his work campaigning for cancer awareness and an improved NHS after his 2023 diagnosis of stage 4 bowel cancer
Nathaniel Dye has died, aged 40
A music teacher who turned to campaigning after being diagnosed with terminal cancer has died aged 40, the campaign group Dignity in Dying has announced.
Nathaniel Dye was made a Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) for his work campaigning for cancer awareness and an improved NHS after his 2023 diagnosis of stage 4 bowel cancer. After his diagnosis, he raised money for Macmillan through challenges such as walking from Land’s End to John o’ Groats and running the London Marathon while playing the trombone.
Mr Dye became involved in politics after his diagnosis and called for improvements to cancer care after experiencing a 15-week wait to start treatment. In 2023, he introduced his MP, then-shadow health secretary Wes Streeting, at the Labour Party conference – and in 2024 spoke at the launch of Labour’s election manifesto.
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He also campaigned for the assisted dying Bill, telling The Mirror last year that if the Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill is blocked because of “parliamentary fun and games’ he would be “heartbroken”.
Paying tribute, Mr Dye’s siblings said they are “incredibly proud” of everything he achieved “despite every obstacle put in his way”.
Their statement, issued by Dignity in Dying, read: “We, Nathaniel’s family, were relieved in the end that his deterioration was rapid and he received excellent palliative care.
“Assisted dying was thankfully not needed in his case, however we were fully aware of his wishes and would have completely supported him had it been and believe, like Nathaniel, that the option should be there for terminally ill people who are not so lucky.
“We are glad that he didn’t need an assisted death but he, and we, would have found so much comfort and reassurance had he known it was available in case of need.
“We are so incredibly proud of our little brother and everything he achieved, despite every obstacle put in his way.”
The Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson said: “I’m so sorry to hear of the passing of Nathaniel Dye – a very kind, inspirational man who truly knew and valued the power of education. May he rest in peace.”
Labour MP Kim Leadbeater MBE said: “So upsetting to hear that the inspirational Nathaniel Dye has passed away. Nat was a tireless campaigner on Assisted Dying, despite knowing that it would be too late for him before the law is changed to give terminally ill people choice in their dying days. Thank you Nat”.
