Degenerative disease and chronic illness are subjects very close to my heart and so multifaceted they will never cease to be an issue for millions more. 

My uncle was diagnosed and lived with muscular dystrophy for much of his life and his pain became constant and unavoidable in my family. While I threw myself into campaigning for various relatable causes, many seemed inept at helping those already afflicted. This feeling was heightened by my mother going through palliative care for lung cancer a few years later which underlined the importance of end of life care and the support it gave to those where recovery wasn't possible. My concentration was then firmly on charities congruent with this way of assisting.

The experiences of two people made me align my fundraising with compassion in dying, Ian Douglas and Johnny Hicklenton. Two people who were brave enough to end their lives, to stop their illnesses defining them. One having to prove his unselfish reasoning abroad to DIGNITAS without all those closest to him present, and the other having to surreptitiously end his suffering without family knowing because of the fear of legal retribution. 

In these extenuating circumstances those effected are largely left without what they truly desire and deserve, dignity. I implore all those reading this to support any charity/campaign/person championing this cause and above all to sign the record of support for assisted dying at https://www.dignityindying.org.uk/ as traction is currently present and every name will make a difference. If you can't donate please take 60 seconds and sign this!

Compassion in dying helps those in need to prepare for the end of life, talk about it, plan for it, and record their wishes.

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