A British woman who was physically healthy ended her life at a controversial Swiss clinic, and her family only discovered her death through a brief email, her sister has revealed.
Secret Journey to Switzerland
Anne Canning, 51, from Haverfordwest, Wales, traveled to the Pegasos clinic near Basel in January 2025. Although she had no physical ailments, she had been grieving the sudden death of her son a few months earlier. Her family believed she was going on holiday and were unaware of her intentions.
Her sister, Delia, 54, told The Telegraph that the family only learned of Anne's plan after receiving goodbye letters postmarked from Switzerland. Using the postmarks, they tracked her to the Pegasos clinic. The clinic then sent a two-line email confirming Anne had died.
Family's Shock and Disgust
Delia expressed her disgust at the clinic's failure to inform the family beforehand. She said, "The impact Anne’s decision had on us was more about the shock and horror that such a thing could be arranged and executed in such a short timeframe, in absolute secret from all loved ones, with no other avenues being explored first."
Under Swiss Medical Association guidelines issued in 2022, clinics are expected to notify relatives before a patient dies, but these guidelines are not legally binding.
For emotional support, the Samaritans can be reached 24/7 at 116 123, or via email at jo@samaritans.org.
