British mother who starved herself to death to stop children seeing her die of ‘worst disease’ shared symptoms of illness
Warning: This article contains discussion of suicide which some readers may find distressing.
The British mother who starved herself to death to stop her children see her suffering at the hands of a horrible disease shared more details about her symptoms.
Emma Bray was diagnosed with motor neurone disease in 2023 and took the decision to end her life this week to spare her kids further suffering, having campaigned for the right to die alongside thousands of others in the UK, as parliament continue to consider the assisted dying bill.
MND is an incurable neurological condition that affects the nerves controlling muscle movement and eventually leads to loss of speech, mobility and life and has claimed the lives of both Professor Stephen Hawking and rugby league star Rob Burrow in recent years.
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In an interview with The Mirror, 42-year-old mum Emma explained exactly why she was going to end her life by voluntarily stopping eating and drinking, which occurs when a mentally sound adult makes the decision to refuse foods or liquids of any kind, to hasten their own death.
She said: "I can no longer use any of my limbs. My talking is severely affected, and I struggle to eat, and it's getting harder to breathe. I am only really comfortable in bed, and social visits are exhausting.
“I have carers multiple times a day, can't be left alone overnight and can no longer do any basic tasks. I can't scratch an itch, push up my glasses, or move a bed sheet if I am too hot or cold. I feel like I am losing the essence of me. I am still so loved, but I can't be myself, and I see that grief on everyone's faces.
"I want to protect my children from seeing me choke and struggle to breathe."
Tripping or slurred speech are thought to be early signs of the illness, with twitching, cramps and stiffness also common symptoms.
A powerful Instagram post confirmed her death on Monday 14 July, with the page gaining well over 3,000 followers since the mum-of-two started sharing her journey with the condition.
She said: "If you are reading this then I've finished my final spin round the sun.
"I've lived a very good life, surrounded by love, music and laughter and I want this to continue in my memory. Rather than shed a tear (or whilst you do) please plant a tree or call a friend, do a random act of kindness or take time to watch a sunset.
"For moments of doubt please ask 'what would Emma do?' and run with that probably inappropriate answer. Hug everyone a little tighter and love openly."
It was on her popular social media page that she previously shared some of the symptoms she was experiencing with MND, as it robbed her ability to walk and talk.
Back in September 2024, she shared: "The last few weeks have been hard - physically and mentally.
"Fatigue is unreal, I could sleep all day. My left hand which was my last useful limb has resorted to being a claw that won't lift harder than a few inches, making simple tasks like texting and eating a mammoth effort.
"The simple tasks of wiping my own a**e and brushing my teeth are now a memory.
"Everyday feels like groundhog day - wanting to make the most of every second but MND making that so damn difficult.
"There are of course glimmers and love which keep me sane, but the itch on my head that I can't scratch at 2am dampens them."
Previous posts sadly see her talk about her love of food, which was taken away as she was left unable to cook, cut her food or even feed herself.
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.
Topics: Mental Health, Stephen Hawking, Health
James Moorhouse