The right to choose our own ending

It is all a very personal subject and I do understand that we elderly have to be protected when we are no longer able to speak for ourselves because of illness etc., but for those of us who have seen loved ones live on with no quality of life or recognition of their family, I strongly believe we should have the option to write down our wishes should we feel, when the time comes, that we do not want to go on – when we cannot converse, read the paper, enjoy television programmes or even walk unaided – especially when you see how many years people continue with the use of medication to live.

I do not want my children and grandchildren to see this old fella when he cannot make them laugh and do silly things, as that is what us old boys do to my mind, personally again.

I would love, come the day, that I could say – or that someone would read my living will and say – 'it is time to go dad/gramps or Baz'. I would be more than willing to have my life end like any vet would do to an animal in pain.

People can decide when an animal is no longer enjoying its life, yet we as people will continue to suffer until our body decides all the medication we are probably on is of no further help.

I would like to think that in a few years our wishes could be made into a legally binding document allowing us the right to choose while we are still fit to make a statement – and to have those wishes carried out humanely.

I certainly have no wish to end my days in a rest home unless I am enjoying my life – as, I am sure, do many other people who have watched relatives, who despite having great care taken of their needs, disappear before their eyes over maybe years, becoming a stranger and losing all dignity. I know from experience this is not how they would have wanted to leave this world.

Lots of people get to enjoy good health and they deserve all the care and support they need.

I am only talking here from my personal outlook as to what I would expect and for me that would be a quality of life, expectations I would have written down with a lawyer, a witness and family.

My family know of my wishes and I think they would be like minded. They would never stand in my way when the day comes – it is called love and compassion.

BARRY JAMESON,

The Tallows,

Croutes Havilland Lane,

St Peter Port,

GY1 1ET.