Locked-In Sufferer Vows To Continue His Fight

A man suffering locked-in sundrome, whose legal challenge was heard alongside Tony Nicklinson's, is determined to continue his fight, his wife has said.

Alongside Mr Nicklinson, who passed away the day after losing their high court decision, says he wants professionals such as doctors to help him end his life, without them having the fear of prosecution.

The 47-year-old man, known only as Martin, is seeking professional help - possibly resulting in a trip to the Swiss organisation Dignitas - to end his life.

Lawyers will hear in the next few weeks whether they are allowed a full hearing at the Court of Appeal.

It is understood that Martin’s wife would be unlikely to be prosecuted if she assisted his suicide, but she cannot bear to help him.

"I don't want him to die but I've got to respect his wishes,” she told BBC News.

"As much as I might not want him to go, that's his decision. I could never end somebody's life. That's who I am.

"Some people with locked-in syndrome are able to thrive on what life they have - but certainly for Martin and Tony, it's not what they wanted. It's very difficult for them to cope with living that life.

"He has the option of refusing food. Since he's known that the courts would allow that and not make him be force-fed, he has far more of an inner peace. But that would be a traumatic way to die for him and those around him.

"We all have choices in life but he's not able to have a choice or to have a say in how his life ends.

"For Martin, his quality of life is not what he wants and he can't see a way out of that."

Martin's legal team has applied for leave to appeal. It expects a decision in the next few weeks.

(H)