November 20th 2024.
Catie fondly remembers her mother Alison as an incredible lady. She was a university lecturer who taught languages and was also a talented folk musician. Unfortunately, in September 2021, Alison's health started to decline, and by February 2023, she was no longer able to move her body as easily as she once could. This was a difficult time for the family, but it was made even more complicated by the fact that Alison had decided to end her life at a Dignitas clinic in Switzerland.
On a bleak February day in 2023, Catie and her sister watched as their parents left for the airport in a taxi. Little did they know, this would be the last time they would see their mother. Alison was flying to Switzerland, where she would receive assistance from medical staff to end her life. Catie and her sister were unsure if they would ever see their father again, as he could have been stopped at the airport and charged with a crime.
Catie, who asked for her surname not to be used, recalls the emotional toll this took on her family. She had not eaten at all on the day she went to pick her dad up from his return flight, uncertain if he would even appear. When he did arrive, he was a broken man, overwhelmed by everything he had been through and seen. He had to deal with all the paperwork and stress while grieving the loss of his wife.
The current approach to assisted dying in the UK is a highly charged issue, with passionate arguments on both sides of the debate. On November 29, MPs will vote on whether or not to legalize assisted dying. Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has allowed a free vote on the issue, and his cabinet is divided. Some, like Health Secretary Wes Streeting and Justice Secretary Shabana Mahmood, are against legalization, while others, like Energy Secretary Ed Miliband and Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy, are in favor.
For Catie, the current approach to assisted dying in the UK only adds unnecessary complications and pain to an already difficult situation. She believes that families like hers should have the option to choose assisted dying for their loved ones who are suffering from terminal illnesses.
Alison's condition continued to deteriorate, and in May 2022, she received a diagnosis of motor neurone disease. She kept her plans to travel to Switzerland to herself until October, when she finally told Catie and her sister. Catie understood her mother's decision, as she knew what the end of the disease would entail. However, she was still shocked and saddened by the suddenness of it all.
Alison stayed for one last Christmas and several family birthdays in the beginning of 2023 before leaving for Switzerland in February. Catie remembers the emotional moment when they said goodbye to their mother for the last time. Once the taxi disappeared, she and her sister broke down in tears.
After Alison's death, Catie joined the group Dignity in Dying and has been advocating for assisted dying ever since. She has spoken in Parliament and met with Kim Leadbeater, who introduced the latest bill. However, many MPs are still undecided about how they will vote, with some raising concerns about people feeling pressured to choose assisted death and the potential impact on the NHS.
Catie also remembers how difficult it was to grieve for her mother in the midst of all the stress and chaos surrounding her death. Due to the nature of her mother's death, there was little time to process and mourn properly. She hopes that by sharing her story, she can help bring about change and give other families the option of a peaceful and dignified death for their loved ones.
If you or someone you know is struggling with thoughts of suicide, please reach out for support. The Samaritans offer a 24-hour helpline, email support, and in-person visits. Their HOPELINE247 is also available 24/7 for those in crisis. Remember, you are not alone and there is always someone there to listen and support you.
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