A grieving British woman is traveling to a Swiss assisted suicide clinic to end her life after the death of her only son. Wendy Duffy, 56, a former care worker from the West Midlands in England, is physically healthy but has decided to end her life in Switzerland, where assisted suicide is legal.
Decision to End Life
Duffy told the Daily Mail, "I want to die, and that's what I'm going to do. My life; my choice." She decided to pursue assisted dying after her only son passed away four years ago. She applied to Pegasos, a clinic specializing in voluntary assisted dying (VAD), and her application was accepted. She has paid the $13,400 fee and written letters to her loved ones. Duffy is now in Switzerland and plans to undergo the VAD procedure on Friday, 24 April.
Loss of Her Son
Duffy lost her only child, Marcus, in 2022 when he was 23 years old. According to Duffy, Marcus had been hungover and fell asleep on the sofa while eating a sandwich. She recalled, "I'd been making myself one, cheese and onion, and he said he'd have one. 'Throw a couple of those cherry tomatoes on mine,' he said." She left the room, and when she returned, Marcus was 'purple'. Despite performing CPR, half a cherry tomato had lodged in his windpipe, cutting off oxygen to his brain.
Emotional Toll
The death of her only child has been devastating. Duffy told People, "I used to feel things. I'd go to funerals after Marcus died, and I'd feel nothing. It's why I had to give up work. You can't be a carer if you don't care, and I'm sorry, but I don't. I don't care about anything any more. I exist. I don't live." She split from her husband when Marcus was four and had previously attempted suicide, leaving her on a ventilator in a vegetative state. She believes suicide is the only way her spirit can be free.
Reason for Assisted Suicide
Duffy has been in therapy since her son's death but believes VAD is the only way to spare others the trauma of witnessing her suicide. She stated, "I could step off a motorway bridge or a tower block, but that would leave anyone finding me dealing with that for the rest of their lives. I don't want to put anyone through that."
Family Awareness
Duffy has four sisters and two brothers, all aware of her decision. She said, "My ashes will be sent back to my family, and I want them scattered at his bench in the park, with his. It's all planned." She added, "I will call them when I get to Switzerland. It will be a hard call where I'll say goodbye and thank them. But they will understand. They know."
Final Thoughts
Duffy has made up her mind to end her life with dignity. She said, "I don't want to wait for the struggle. I want to go while I'm still me."
Disclaimer: If you or someone you know is struggling with suicidal thoughts, anxiety, depression, or mental illness, please seek professional help immediately from a doctor, mental health expert, or NGO. Helplines are also available.
