Wendy Duffy ended her own life today at a clinic in Switzerland (Image: Facebook)
A member of the family of a British mother, who did not have a terminal illness and travelled to a clinic in Switzerland to end her life, has spoken about the woman’s decision. Wendy Duffy, 56, made the decision to die at the assisted dying clinic Pegasos a few years after the death of her only son, Marcus.
Wendy, who had previously said she couldn’t wait for the moment, died peacefully this morning wearing one of her son Marcus’ T-shirts, which, she said, “still smells of him”. In an interview detailing her plans, she also said she would be listening to Lady Gaga and Bruno Mars song Die With A Smile during her final moments. In an interview given before the clinic announced Wendy’s death, her sister-in-law described her as “very strong-willed” and said they “couldn’t stop her.” Paula Duffy said: “It is very sad for the whole family, very upsetting.”
Read more: Healthy mother, 56, ends her own life at Swiss clinic after son’s tragic death
Read more: Mum with no terminal illness to pay £10k to end her own life for tragic reason
Marcus Dolman died four years ago (Image: -)
Paula also told the Mirror: “Wendy was not herself after Marcus passed. She was the same. May she rest in peace.’”
The former care worker from the West Midlands had told the Daily Mail in an interview that she had not been able to recover from losing her son Marcus, 23, despite years of therapy and antidepressants.
Speaking days before her death, Wendy said: “I won’t change my mind. I know it’s hard for you, sweetheart. It will be hard for everyone. But I want to die, and that’s what I’m going to do. And I’ll have a smile on my face when I do, so please be happy for me. My life; my choice.” She added: “I can’t wait.”
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She had asked for the clinic’s large windows to be left open so her spirit can be free. Her belongings, including her suitcase, will be donated to an animal charity.
She will be cremated in Switzerland. Her ashes will be returned to her family in the UK and scattered alongside Marcus’s at a park bench dedicated to him.
Marcus had fallen asleep on the sofa while eating a cheese and onion sandwich with tomatoes that Wendy had made him after he came home hungover from a night out.
He had choked on half a cherry tomato, which became lodged in his windpipe.
Wendy sat with him for five days before his life support was switched off. His organs were donated for transplant.
“Afterwards, I got a letter from the man who got his heart. He said that thanks to Marcus he was able to play with his kids again,” she said. Another recipient was a four-year-old child. “That was a comfort, but it also ripped at me.”
Wendy travelled to Pegasos to end her own life (Image: Pegasos)
Ruedi Habegger, Pegasos founder, said earlier today: “I can confirm that Wendy Duffy, at her own request, was assisted to die on April 24 and that the procedure was completed without incident and in full compliance with her wishes.
“I can also confirm that neither we nor any of the professional staff assessing her mental capacity had any doubt as to her intention, understanding and independence of both thought and action. In historical terms at English law, hers was a case of “sane suicide”.’
If you are affected by issues discussed within this article, or you are struggling, you can contact Samaritans on 116 123 or visit samaritans.org. The Samaritans are here to help, day or night, 365 days a year.