Dad takes suicide drug after last family supper
A FATHER of three has defied his wife and children and committed suicide at the controversial Swiss clinic Dignitas after a last supper with his family.
Jeffrey Spector, 54, told them and the family lawyer: “I know I’m going too early.” But pleas for him to think again went unheeded and the following day he took a lethal drug for which he had paid thousands of pounds. His remains will be brought back to the UK today.
The successful businessman and sports fanatic from Lytham St Anne’s, Lancs, could not face the thought of being left paralysed from the neck down after an inoperable tumour around his spinal cord started to grow. Every day he faced the agony of not knowing whether he would wake up unable to move or speak. Mr Spector learned of his illness six years ago and secretly joined the assisted suicide organisation Dignitas a year later – a decision he revealed to his family when his condition worsened.
In the hours before his death he said: “I am not scared. But never judge someone until you have worn their shoes.
“I know I’m going too early. My family disagree with me but I believe this is in their best interests.”
For the last week of his life he has been followed by a film crew who will produce a video “tribute” for his widow Elaine.
Mr Spector delayed an earlier suicide appointment so that his daughter could take exams.