My late wife made every day a victory

Sir, – Assisted dying is an emotive topic, letters have appeared in recent days from those who support this measure to end pain and suffering, its introduction as a choice being debated in the Scottish Parliament.

I hold no firm views on the subject, but would I become supportive if my health failed, every movement became a source of agony? Or would I follow the path chosen by my dear late wife, for many months her body bearing the increasing pain of terminal cancer, refusing to submit to this alien invader, living as normal a life as possible?

Never did I hear her say: “I wish I could end it all,” every extra day a victory, a snub of the nose to the disease slowly eating her body away, life a triumph over death.

Her battle was of course always going to be lost, no drama as the final days approached, just reassuring words with our local health care team, GP and practice nurses she would be made comfortable. Pain relief dosage was increased daily, Marie Curie nurses gave excellent support during evening hours. One week after she insisted on preparing lunch, she passed away at home, her dearest wish, in the presence of myself and our sons.

Death came to her as she had lived her life, quietly and without fuss.

Almost 10 years have passed since that day my life changed forever, her inspirational bravery a memory to cherish.

My thanks went to all the health professionals involved, she was never allowed to spend her final days in agony. I can only wish my own demise to be similarly peaceful.

No new and controversial legislation involved in her death, just the considerate and caring end of life assistance that has been employed since her time as a nurse around half a century before.

Ivan W Reid, Laurencekirk.

MSP Liam McArthur publishes his Assisted Dying for Terminally Ill Adults (Scotland) Bill at Holyrood.