A physically healthy woman from the West Midlands is set to end her life at a Swiss assisted dying clinic on Friday, driven by heartbreak over the death of her son four years ago.
Wendy Duffy's Story
Wendy Duffy, 56, a former care worker, has been approved by Pegasos, a clinic in Basel, to undergo assisted suicide. She paid £10,000 to the non-profit organisation. Ms Duffy told the Daily Mail that no amount of therapy had convinced her that life is worth living after the loss of her only child, Marcus, 23, who choked on a cherry tomato.
“My life, my choice,” she said. “I wish this was available in the UK, then I wouldn’t have to go to Switzerland at all.” She explained that she did not want to attempt suicide again, as it would traumatise anyone who found her.
Her siblings have been informed by Pegasos of her intentions. “I will call them when I get to Switzerland. It will be a hard call where I’ll say goodbye and thank them,” she added. Ms Duffy has written letters to loved ones, chosen her outfit, and selected Lady Gaga and Bruno Mars's Die With A Smile as her final song.
Pegasos Clinic Controversy
Pegasos Swiss Association, founded by right-to-die activist Ruedi Habegger in 2019, previously faced controversy after helping British citizen Alistair Hamilton, 47, end his life without informing his family. The clinic later apologised and changed its procedures.
UK Assisted Dying Bill
The Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill will be debated for a final time in the House of Lords on Friday. It is not expected to pass this session. The bill would give terminally ill adults in England and Wales the right to end their lives with safeguards. Supporters say it has been obstructed, while critics worry about insufficient protections for vulnerable people.
If you are experiencing distress, contact Samaritans on 116 123 (UK and ROI), email jo@samaritans.org, or visit their website. In the USA, call or text 988 or visit 988lifeline.org. For other countries, visit www.befrienders.org.
