Right-to-die campaigner Richard Selleys widow swamped with letters backing legalisation of euthanasia in S – The Scottish Sun

RIGHT-to-die campaigner Richard Selleys widow has been swamped with letters backing the legalisation of euthanasia in Scotland.

Elaine Selley, 58, told of the overwhelming support since MND sufferer Richard ended his life at the Dignitas clinic.

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The couple paid 10,000 to travel to the controversial Swiss facility in September but most people cant afford the cost.

And Elaine, of Glenalmond, Perthshire, is determined to carry on Richards battle to change Holyrood legislation so people can die at home surrounded by their loved ones.

She said: Richard left a legacy. I had no idea his story captured so many hearts and made people think about this issue to live positively with a terminal illness.

Thats what he did.

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Ive been overwhelmed with letters of support. Theres hundreds from all over the world from Canada, New Zealand, Dubai, North America, Hong Kong.

Weve also had a great deal of letters supporting assisted dying from complete strangers who hope the law will be changed.

What stands out is empathy for the case and the cause, people sharing end-of-life experiences of loved ones who want assisted dying and wish they had that opportunity.

Former headmaster Richard died at the Zurich clinic after self- administering a powerful dose of sedatives, ending his five-year battle with the incurable disease.

On the day of his death he issued a final plea to MSPs to let people slip away at home.

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His ashes were interred in Witheridge, Devon, last weekend.

Days later Elaine opened a library in his name at Loretto school in Musselburgh, East Lothian, where Richard worked for 30 years.

She said: I promised Id carry on what he started. I also want to raise awareness of motor neurone disease.

Its so rare that theres not that impetus in terms of money and donations.

Fellow MND sufferer Dave Finlayson, 69, plans to go to Dignitas after saving for an assisted death.

The dad of two and ex-lifeguard, from Dundee, said: A lot of people cant afford it, especially anybody thats working class.

Its a lot of money and I would have rather gone on a good cruise but I dont have a choice. Nobody wants to die but Id rather go the way I want to than suffer.

Late MSP and Parkinsons sufferer Margo MacDonald tried to change the law twice before she died in 2014. But opponents argue legalising assisted dying would expose people to coercion and abuse.

Charity Dignity in Dying hope to put the issue back on the agenda at the next Holyrood session.

The Scottish Government said they support greater public and personal discussion of bereavement, death, dying and care at the end of life.

oliver.norton@news.co.uk

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Right-to-die campaigner Richard Selleys widow swamped with letters backing legalisation of euthanasia in S - The Scottish Sun