Healthy British woman dies at Swiss assisted dying clinic

Warning: This article includes discussion of suicide and assisted dying

Wendy Duffy was granted permission to end her life at Pegasos clinic after a year long application process and died today.

While Wendy is physically healthy she had been struggling with grief since the tragic death of her son, Marcus.

Marcus choked to death four years ago in Wendy's living room while she desperately tried to save him.

While Wendy spent years on antidepressants alongside therapy, she was unable to come to terms with the loss.

Speaking to the Daily Mail, Wendy said: "You can take all the pills, you can go to all the counselling in the world – and I did.

"Ultimately, they can’t help you. They don’t have to live your life, and my life is agony.

"I still sit at night, and I talk to Marcus, and I kiss the box I had made for his ashes, and I say 'goodnight, sunshine', and I think 'I don’t want to be in this world without you, Markie'. And I don’t. It’s as simple as that."

Ruedi Habegger, Pegasos founder, said: "I can confirm that Wendy Duffy, at her own request, was assisted to die on April 24 and that the procedure was completed without incident and in full compliance with her wishes.

"I can also confirm that neither we nor any of the professional staff assessing her mental capacity had any doubt as to her intention, understanding and independence of both thought and action.

"In historical terms at English law, hers was a case of 'sane suicide'."

If you’ve been affected by any of these issues and want to speak to someone in confidence, please don’t suffer alone. Call Samaritans for free on their anonymous 24-hour phone line on 116 123 or contact Harmless by visiting their website https://harmless.org.uk.

For advice, support, and more information, you can contact the nurse-led specialist team at Compassion in Dying via their helpline 0800 999 2434. You can also email them at info@compassionindying.org.uk.

Additionally, if you're experiencing distressing thoughts and feelings, the Campaign Against Living Miserably (CALM) is there to support you. They're open from 5pm–midnight, 365 days a year. Their national number is 0800 58 58 58 and they also have a webchat service if you're not comfortable talking on the phone.