Suicide clinic OAP’s final plea to MPs
A BRITISH OAP died in his wife’s arms at a Swiss suicide clinic yesterday after begging MPs to change the law on assisted dying.
Geoff Whaley, 80, who had motor neurone disease, died at Dignitas in Zurich surrounded by his wife Ann, two children and some close friends.
But first he issued a plea to politicians, amid fears that Ann, 76, could face jail for helping him to plan the end of his life.
In an open letter to all MPs, former accountant Geoff revealed his final days were “blighted” by a police investigation after an anonymous tipster alerted authorities about the trip to Zurich.
Geoff wrote: “By the time you read this, I will BY AMY-CLARE MARTIN be dead. With my family’s love and support I’ve been able to fulfil my final wish – to be in control of my end, rather than endure the immense suffering motor neurone disease had in store for me.
“The blanket ban on assisted dying has not only forced me to spend thousands of pounds and endure months of logistical hurdles in order to secure a peaceful and dignified death overseas, but it has meant that my final weeks have been blighted by visits from social services and police.”
Under existing laws, encouraging or assisting a suicide is punishable by up to 14 years in jail.
Ann had to book the flights and hotel because Geoff, of Buckinghamshire, had lost the use of his hands due to his illness.
She was interviewed under caution by Thames Valley Police, who are taking no further action. But if new information comes to light, the probe could be reopened.
Ann said: “Geoff and I have been very happily married for 52 years. I have never seen him cry. The day the police called, he sobbed.”
She maintains that she is not a lawbreaker, just a loving wife.
Campaign group Dignity in Dying, who supported the couple, said someone from the UK travels to Switzerland for an assisted death every eight days.