A personal decision (From Bradford Telegraph and Argus)

A personal decision

8:24am Wednesday 10th March 2010 in

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SIR – There were a number of letters praising, quite rightly, the palliative care given to people facing death within years or maybe even a short time. Some who suffer from dementia and do not know or recognize their relatives, and that our time to die should not be held in anyone’s hand, for many stated reasons (Letters, March 5).

However, if I should need palliative, I don’t want it, I would rather take my own life.

Also, if I was suffering from Alzheimer’s and was not aware of my relatives and friends, then I would want my nearest and dearest to end my life for me.

The person I am is my memories – without them, I am not the person I was, and regardless of my physical condition, I would not want to carry on living.

I make these choices now, while fully compos mentis, so there can be no misunderstandings. I am an atheist and do not want any religious body or person interfering in my wishes.

I am aware what I am subscribing to is not enshrined in law (yet) but I certainly do not go along with palliative care, however well meant or carried out, for me.

A G Goldsbrough, Dale Court, Fieldway, Ilkley