On 19 May 2019, I will be running the Manchester Simplyhealth Half Marathon in support of Dignity in Dying's campaign for an assisted dying law to be introduced in the UK.

Every 8 days, a terminally ill UK citizen travels to Switzerland seeking assistance to die, costing on average £10,000 and often earlier than they would choose in fear that they will not be able to make the journey later. Each year 300 terminally ill people end their own lives in the UK using distressing and unregulated means, and often alone in fear that their loved ones will face prosecution by association.

Dignity in Dying advocates a safeguarded, transparent assisted dying law where:

- Mentally competent adults suffering with a terminal illness and less than 6 months to live;

- Are afforded the option to control their death by drug self-administration;

- Following careful assessment by doctors and a High Court judge who explore their motivations.

Since 1997, a similar model has existed in Oregon and there have been no cases of abuse, no extension of the law and no ‘slippery slope’ cases.

After years of the law affording them autonomy and rights over their lives, terminally ill people deserve the choice to control the timing and manner of their death – when death is inevitable, suffering should not be.

Please help me to support the campaign for compassionate legislative change and thank you so much for any donations!

https://www.dignityindying.org.uk/assisted-dying/our-position/