Support Dignity in Dying

My name is Lesley Close. Twelve years ago I accompanied my brother, John Close, to Dignitas in Switzerland where he ended his own life.

Diagnosed with Motor Neurone Disease (MND) John experienced a slow decline and eventually needed full-time care: he could not stand or swallow, and had to communicate through a computer.

John made me promise I would come back to the UK after his death and fight to change the law; he didn't want anyone else to go through that same journey.

Every fortnight someone from the UK travels to Switzerland to die and thousands of others have found themselves either turning to loved ones to break the law and help them die, or enduring unnecessary and prolonged suffering against their wishes.

We can't go on like this.

No one else should be forced to make this journey. I campaign with Dignity in Dying to legalise assisted dying, within upfront safeguards, for terminally ill, mentally competent adults.

Will you join me by signing this pledge?

John was 54 when he died.

None of us know what the future holds for us, or our loved ones.

I believe that everyone should have the choice -- if we want it -- to ask for medical help to die, if we are terminally ill and suffering intolerably. With a law like that in place John's last weeks could been spent at home, with all of his family and friends around him.

Please show your support for Dignity in Dying.