First British couple sign up to use controversial 'suicide pod' and die in each other's arms
A couple are signing up to become the first Brits to use a controversial double suicide pod.
Peter, 86, and Christine Scott, 80, have been happily married for 46 years and are planning to travel to Switzerland to die in each other's arms in the Sarco death capsule.
The decision comes after former nurse Christine was diagnosed with early-stage vascular dementia.
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Former RAF pilot Peter told the Daily Mail: "We have had long, happy, healthy, fulfilled lives but here we are in old age and it does not do nice things to you.
"The idea of watching the slow degradation of Chris's mental abilities in parallel to my own physical decline is horrific to me.
"Obviously I would care for her to the point I could not, but she has nursed enough people with dementia during her career to be adamant she wants to remain in control of herself and her life.
"Assisted dying gives her that opportunity and I would not want to go on living without her."
The pair with six grandkids are in the process of signing up with Swiss organisation The Last Resort, who are offering them assisted dying via the pod.
Sarco, short for 'sarcophagus', is a 3D-printed capsule mounted on a stand that contains a canister of liquid nitrogen to die by suicide through inert gas asphyxiation.
The use of nitrogen decreases oxygen levels quickly, which prevents panic and suffocation. The process takes just 10 minutes.
Peter added: "We understand other people may not share our feelings and we respect their position.
"What we want is the right to choose. I find it deeply depressing we can't do that here in the UK.
"Yet look at the alternative. The chances of getting prompt NHS treatment for the ailments of old age seem pretty remote so you end up trapped by infirmity and pain.
"I don't want to go into care, to be lying in bed dribbling and incontinent – I don't call that a life.
"Finally, the Government swoops in to take your savings and your house to pay for it all."
Christine added: "It's a lovely life but I have this diagnosis, and that's crystallised our thinking.
"Medicine can slow vascular dementia but it can't stop it. At the point I thought I was losing myself, I'd say: 'This is it, Pete, I don't want to go any further'."
This comes after suicide pod creator Dr Philip Nitschke said he plans to install them in the UK.
If you’ve been affected by any of these issues and want to speak to someone in confidence, please don’t suffer alone. Call Samaritans for free on their anonymous 24-hour phone line on 116 123.
Anish Vij