Warning: This article contains discussion of suicide which some readers may find distressing.
A Swiss voluntary assisted dying (VAD) association has apologised to the family of a British man who took his own life without them knowing.
Chemistry teacher Alastair Hamilton, 47, travelled to Basel, Switzerland last August to undergo the procedure at Pegasos, despite telling his mother that he was flying to Paris.
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His mum Judith Hamilton, 82, who waved goodbye to Alastair at the airport, told ITV News: "He put his arms around me, looked me straight in the eyes and he was smiling.
"And he said 'love you, mum, love you lots, always have, always will no matter what'."
After failing to return to the UK, his mum reported him as missing until bank records revealed that her son had paid £11,000 to Pegasos for 'voluntary assisted death' treatment.
The clinic accepted his online application form, which was seen by ITV News, where Alastair wrote about having an undiagnosed stomach condition, which he said caused him 'pain, fatigue and discomfort' and had 'devastated his life'.
He also said that 'there is no current, definitive medical explanation' for his health condition and that his family weren't aware that he had decided to take his own life.
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Following the approval of his application, it is believed that Alastair died in an office block next to an asphalt factory in Basel.
His brother Bradley, along with Judith, were taken to see the building by ITV News, with Judith saying: "It’s not the best place to be for your last view of earth."
"It’s even more heart-breaking that someone could have been with him, but they didn't tell us and he didn't feel that [he could]," Bradley added.
His mother cried: "I keep saying to myself 'oh Alastair'."
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With help from police and the British embassy, the clinic confirmed Alastair's death and returned his ashes to his family in the post.
Pegasos apologised for not letting the family know in person and said in a statement to ITV: "As conveyed by Mr. Habegger during the meeting, we would like to tell the family once again that we are very sorry that our communication caused them further distress last year.
"We were not sure how to deal with the situation in terms of communication and legally and therefore did not act as we would today. We hope that our meeting helped them to understand better the decision and path of Alastair.
"Pegasos has always respected the applicable Swiss law without exception and continues to do so... we always require reports from medical specialists. Only based on these reports, other documents and direct contact with the concerned person, a decision can be taken.
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"We are conscious of our great responsibility. This is why, in those rare instances where we have reason to assume that no information has been provided to close family by the person seeking voluntary assisted death, we will abort the procedure on the spot.
"In 2022, the Swiss Medical Association revised its guidelines regarding assisted dying. It is important to understand that these guidelines are not legally binding for the associations but are policies for the medical professionals.
"Several organisations for assisted dying, including Exit, Dignitas and Pegasos, publicly spoke out against the revised guidelines, because they are putting at risk the self-determination of people planning a voluntary assisted death and the freedom of choice in Switzerland."
According to the Swiss Criminal Code 1942, assisted suicide is permitted so long as the motive for doing so is not 'selfish'.
LADbible has contacted Pegasos for additional comment.
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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