A British singer-songwriter was found dead in Qatar after travelling abroad to find work when her disability benefits were cut off.
Daniella Obeng, 32, had been living with a brain tumour and epilepsy, when she was found dead on 25 September in the capital, Doha.
The mother-of-one was one week into her six month contract at the Intercontinental Hotel in Doha where she was to perform for guests.
Ms Obeng, who went by stage name Devi Ka, had been declared fit for work earlier in the year stopping her benefits.
“She had to go because she could not find any reliable work in England,” her boyfriend Stefan Paunefcu, told Manchester Evening News.
“She had been sent from pillar to post over her benefits and it was impossible to live on £20 a week.”
Mr Paunefu added that Ms Obeng’s health was in good condition when she left her home in Burnage, Manchester and she had recently seen a neurologist.
He said: “When she left to go to Qatar her health was probably the best it had been for years, and she had not had a seizure for six months.”
“The neurologist said he could start looking into [surgery] but she said ‘I’m ok for now’. It is strange what has happened”, he added.
There will be an inquest into Daniella’s death will be held at Stockport Coroner’s Court in January, the MEN reports.
A Crowdfunding page has been set up in her name. Started in November it has and raised more than £800 which for an memorial event held for Ms Obeng on Monday the rest of which will go towards making an album of her music.
“She was and is an inspiration to many due to her courage, strength and determination in the face of adversity whilst battling a brain tumour combined with epilepsy,” a close friend wrote on her Crowdfunding page.
A DWP spokesperson told The Independent: “Our thoughts are with the family of Ms. Obeng. A decision on whether someone is well enough to work is taken following a thorough independent assessment, including all available evidence provided from the claimant’s GP or medical specialist.”
