RICHARD Selley, the Edinburgh teacher struck down by MND who became a determined campaigner for assisted suicide, has ended his life at the Dignitas clinic in Switzerland.
In a final video message released yesterday morning, he urged MSPs to support a change in the law.
“I think the momentum for a change in the law is growing,” he said.
“It will be too late for me, but I hope that sometime soon people in my position will have the choice to have a peaceful death at a time of their choosing.”
The 65-year-old had travelled from his home in Glenalmond near Perth to Zurich earlier this week. His wife Elaine announced the news of his death on Richard’s blog yesterday afternoon.
“I am writing this post from my hotel room in Zurich. Richard died very peacefully at lunchtime today. His brother Peter and I were at his side.
“At Dignitas, in a clinically clean room, well-appointed but devoid of any personal touches, we could feel all the love that has been shared with us over the years. The end was dignified and calm, exactly as Richard wanted. He had taken control of his own destiny. “ She added: “I am acutely aware of the enormity of my personal loss and heartache. However, I knew without a doubt that I was loved, and true love never dies.
She added: “Richard gave me the confidence to flourish as a person at home and professionally. Like many of you, I was inspired by Richard. He taught me well, and he would be furious to think that I would throw in the towel after his death.
“Therefore, I will continue to fight for the human right of those who are terminally ill to choose how and when they die in Scotland. The experience of travelling to Switzerland will never leave me. It was traumatic.
“No-one should ever need to make that journey from a supposedly humane and compassionate country like Scotland.”
The Scottish Parliament at Holyrood has twice considered Bills aims at introducing assisted suicide. They were first brought forward by independent MSP Margo MacDonald and, following her death from Parkinson’s disease, Green MSP Patrick Harvie. Both failed to get enough support.
Yesterday Harvie said it was time for politicians to catch up with the public support for a change in the law.
“Most people can clearly see the injustice in the current situation, which gives choice and control only to those with the money to pay to travel abroad. Even then, the timing of their decision can be dictated by when they believe they may lose the physical ability to travel.
“I would urge all MSPs to recognise that it’s natural for all of us to want some control over our lives, over our care and treatment, and indeed over our death when the time comes.
“There is public support for a change in the law; there is cross-party support in Parliament, and I hope MSPs who have not yet been convinced will revisit their position.”
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