First look at double suicide pod that will be used to kill British couple

Warning: This article contains discussion of suicide which some readers may find distressing.

A British couple who have signed up to seek assisted dying together will use a 'double suicide pod'.

Peter and Christine Scott, 86 and 80 respectively, plan to travel to Switzerland and 'die in each other's arms' in a Sarco Pod designed by Dr Philip Nitschke.

The former RAF pilot and nurse made the decision after Christine was diagnosed with early-stage vascular dementia, telling 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 current iteration of Sarco Pods is made to fit one person. Couples who wish to go together will need something else. (Exit International)

The couple have signed up with Swiss organisation The Last Resort, and before they can use the pod, Dr Nitschke has said they will have to answer the following questions: 'Who are you?', 'Where are you?' and 'Do you know what happens when you press the button?'

This is intended to prove they are of sound mind when they make the decision to end their lives, as the Sarco Pod works by the occupant pressing a button which lowers the oxygen levels inside, rendering the occupant unconscious and then dead.

The first Sarco Pod has been built but not yet used, with a euthanasia reportedly scheduled for July called off as the patient was deemed to be suffering from 'deteriorating mental health', but it is made for a single occupant.

The Mail has since reported that a Double Sarco Pod will be made so that two occupants can go through assisted dying together, and that it 'could be ready for use as early as January'.

An image of what the 'Double Sarco Pod' is expected to look like (The Last Resort)

In his interview, Peter continued to say: "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'."

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.