Family Solicitors

Right-to-die campaigner Debbie Purdy has died after refusing food at the hospice caring for her.

BBC News reports that 51-year-old Ms Purdy – who had lived with the degenerative illness primary progressive multiple sclerosis (MS) for almost 20 years – died on 23 December after spending one year at the Marie Curie Hospice in east Bradford, near her Bradford home.

Ms Purdy was married to musician Omar Puente and in 2009 she won a High Court ruling to give clarification on whether her husband would face criminal charges if she opted for an assisted death and he helped her.

Mr Puente confirmed his wife’s death, calling her “a much loved wife, sister, aunt and friend”.

Former Lord Chancellor Lord Falconer said that her campaign for the right to die and assisted suicide had been “absolutely key” in transforming the debate about assisted suicide for those with terminal illnesses who wished to end their lives.

The Liberal Democrat MP for Bradford East, David Ward, said that Ms Purdy would be remembered for the “great spirit she had and as a remarkably inspiring person".

“Debbie was a remarkable human being and despite her condition she was an ebullient character,” he added.

“In her own words, she said if she was allowed to die it would help her live.”

Following her legal victory, in 2010, the then Director of Public Prosecutions Keir Starmer published guidelines on factors which would be taken into account by the courts when pursuing a prosecution relating to assisted suicide. These included the ability of the patient to reach a decision about ending their life – and the motivation of the person who might help them end their life.

The law on assisted suicide remained unchanged, with assisting suicide still an offence, but Ms Purdy’s case resulted in clarification on the legal position of a family member – or health professional – who might help someone end their life.

Debbie Purdy’s barrister Lord Pannick said that he first met her in 2008, when she first launched her legal action to obtain clarification on the law governing assisted suicide.

“Her body was already afflicted terribly by this awful disease – she was in a wheelchair, she was in great pain for much of the time.
“But I don't think I have represented a more energetic client in my professional career,” he added.
In an interview with the BBC, Ms Purdy had said that living with MS was not how she wanted to live her life:

“It's painful and it's uncomfortable and it's frightening and it's not how I want to live,” she said.

“If somebody could find a cure for MS, I would be the first person in line.

“It's not a matter of wanting to end my life, it's a matter of not wanting my life to be this,” she added.

Mr Puente thanked those who had cared for his wife during the last year of her life:

”We would like to thank the Marie Curie Hospice in Bradford for the care the staff gave her, which allowed her last year to be as peaceful and dignified as she wished.”

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