VIDEO: Terminally ill Notts man: 'Why can't I have the right to die?'
A TERMINALLY-ILL pensioner has made a heartfelt plea to be allowed to die.
Restrained by the current law in the UK, George Martin, 86, has resorted to starving himself to death after being diagnosed with terminal lung cancer.
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Disease: George Martin, 86, of Westwood, near Selston, has terminal lung cancer.
WATCH George Martin explaining why he wants the right to die
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Campaign group Dignity in Dying says the current law is causing the father-of-four to "suffer unbearably".
Mr Martin, of Westwood, near Selston, is calling for a change in the law – which in the UK is still governed by the 1961 Suicide Act – so he could be helped to die.
He said: "I have not eaten for two weeks. Where is the compassion in making me go through this when all I want is to go in peace?
"I am not despondent but furious that the law can be such an awful ass. Change is crucial.
"I am of sound mind, I have loved my life, and feel very proud of many things, not least my family, but now I want to be allowed to die with dignity."
His MP Gloria De Piero has written an urgent letter to Secretary of State Jeremy Hunt informing him of Mr Martin's situation.
Mr Martin added: "All of this illness has had my beloved family in great grief and anguish, especially as I have virtually lost my speech and can communicate only through my computer."
The retired chartered accountant has been ill for the past two years, but was officially diagnosed with lung cancer only 12 days ago.
He weighs only six stone at the moment and says he wants to go "as soon as possible."
"I have had a wonderful life, but why can I not have any control over how I die?" he said.
His daughter Sara Martin, 49, said: "I will support my dad in his decisions.
"He is a very intelligent man, and I respect what he wants."
Do you think George Martin should be allowed to die? Take part in our poll.
4 Comments
by ToryMan
Wednesday, March 06 2013, 8:27AM
“Why does the media not also cover those stories about people who want to live? There are lots of people out there who want better care, better pain treatment, better access to medical services. There is a lot of evidence out there to show that in those countries that have brought in a right to die the slippery slop soon sets in and helping people die starts to become a norm with the over 50s seeing themselves as a burden when they shouldn't”
by lulu65
Tuesday, March 05 2013, 7:08PM
“I fully support you Mr Martin. My mum was able to go to Dignitas last September, a lucky one who could afford it. But it also cost her in terms of having to leave her home to do it. She too spoke publicly about how if she were a dog she would have been put down. The pro lifers who argue about living at all costs and voice their concerns about the value of human life; there is no value when your life is filled with pain and you wait for the end. These do gooders in effect have no value for human life, for if they did they would understand an individuals choice to be able to end their life in a dignified way when they are ready and not be at the mercy of their pain waiting to go. I can offer you no words of solace other thatn to voice my support and heartfelt empathy for the pain you are enduring. God speed for you in your plight Mr Martin, a truly brave individual. Donella Trickey.”
by Paul1977AD
Tuesday, March 05 2013, 6:56PM
“Good luck George.
May God guide you and your decisions in this awful time.”
by swankyman
Tuesday, March 05 2013, 1:33PM
“What I think and do, as long as it affects no one else, is my choice. Why does the "goverment" believe it can control what people do with their own bodies. The goverment is just a bunch of thugs pushing the people around for the good of itself and its friends.”