Read Personal Stories

Joyce Skerrett

In 1995 my husband and I joined Dignity in Dying so that we could get living wills (advance decisions) - recognised by doctors and hospitals.  We made our living wills as advised.  In 2004 my husband was diagnosed with oesophageal cancer, and given 6 to 12 months to live.  He had a Stent fitted, which gave some relief, but his condition deteriorated.  By May he was in and out of a hospice.  He begged the doctor to allow him to die, he had suffered enough.  If we had known it was possible for him to be assisted to die in Switzerland he would have chosen to do so.  As it was, he suffered 8 more weeks of agony.  It is so important that we are all given the choice to die in these circumstances.

Contact us

Should you want to contact any of the people featured in these pages, or wish to share your own story with us, please contact Jo Cartwright:
020 7479 7737 or 07725 433 025
jo.cartwright@dignityindying.org.uk