My heart goes out to Tony Nicklinson, the former doctor suffering ‘locked-in’ sydrome after a massive stroke in 2005, as he has just had his request for the right to end his life refused by the high court. Tony, a previously very active and very outgoing man who lived his life to the full, has campaigned (along with his family) to have the ability to instruct his GP or another doctor to end his life.  He feels that he has no quality of life at all, and his family are supporting him in his wish for a dignified end. It seems that, for the moment at least, this is a step too far for this country. 
Whatever you feel about this case, it brings home to you how quickly circumstances can change, and how we can find ourselves in situations in which we have very little control.  Life is precious, but I believe that the right to say goodbye if the quality of our life is so poor should be down to the individual, and if, as in Tony’s case, he faces possibly another 30 years of this, surely he should be allowed to end his life in a dignified and gentle way, with his family and loved ones around him.

I know that there are many people who will have opposing views to myself, and this is a controversial issue, but it also brings home to the fact that we should be so thankful if we have good health, and live every day to the full as long as we are able.

All the best,
Wendy x