By Press Release
A rally held on October 17 to promote the right to end your own life was feted as “a fantastic success” by organisers.
Dignity in Dying held the rally in St James’ Square in Newport and, in a couple of hours, gave out more than 150 free postcards to Islanders to send to Isle of Wight MP, Bob Seely, to ask him to support a debate on the issue in parliament. There were also 40 new volunteers identified who are keen to be involved in the campaign to get a change in the law.
Paul Martin, who runs the Dignity in Dying campaign locally, said: “We want to get Mr Seely to pledge to support the need for time to debate the issue properly in parliament, and for a bill to be passed to assist those suffering at the end of their lives. He is against it now – we can help this position change – let’s do it!
“Several people I met at the rally had very sad personal stories of appalling end-of-life situations; if you know of any, and are happy for others to be aware of them, please do let me know as this will help others in the future to face death with dignity. You can contact me on pm@didiow.co.uk.”
Mr Martin also told the story of an Islander, Mr C, who was diagnosed with terminal cancer on January 6. He received palliative care at home with his loving family around him. However, he had to take pills prior to eating to help keep his food down and found the side effects totally unbearable. As a result, he refused all food and slowly ‘starved’ by his own volition. He died in a skeletal condition on February 14. Mr Martin added: “He would much have preferred the dignity of ending his own misery.”