Sarah Jane Parkinson (6 June 1962 – 23 September 2003) was an English producer and writer of radio and television programmes,[1] as well as an occasional actress.
She was the daughter of actor Robin Parkinson and the second wife of comedian and writer Paul Merton.
[1] She and Merton had an unofficial marriage in the Maldives in October 2000 before marrying at Rye Town Hall, East Sussex, in June 2003.
After her death, Merton released the following statement through his agent: "After her initial devastating diagnosis of cancer in February 2002 Sarah successfully lived with the disease for the next 19 months.
Instead, she boosted her immune system with a mixture of nutritional therapy, yoga, meditation, positive thinking and laughter.