Co-defendant in right-to-die case vows to keep fighting

The 47-year-old known only as Martin had his case heard alongside fellow sufferer Tony Nicklinson, who died last month after refusing food and fluids within a week of a High Court decision that denied their right to die.

Both were denied a change in the law that would allow doctors to help them end their own lives after judges ruled that the law did not breach human rights and that it was for Parliament to decide.

Martin needed assistance to end his life having suffered a massive stroke in August 2008 and wanted to be allowed a "dignified suicide."

His wife, whose identity has not been made public, said Martin found an "inner peace" after Mr Nicklinson's death.

She said: "I don't want him to die but I've got to respect his wishes.

"I think that for Tony it was probably a relief that he was no longer suffering from this life he hadn't asked for."

Asked whether Martin would consider starving himself in the same way as Mr Nicklinson, she replied: "That's an option open to him at the moment. It takes several days when you stop eating and drinking, and the side effects of that are more traumatic on the family and himself."

Martin's legal team Leigh Day & Co told the Star that they are waiting for a decision from the High Court on their application for permission to appeal.

They are "very hopeful" that this will be granted and a hearing at the Court of Appeal later this year.

Rosa Curling from Leigh Day's human rights team said: "We have advised our client that the judgment handed down by the High Court is wrong and we have now lodged an appeal on Martin's behalf.

"We are hoping that the Court will consider this application as a matter of priority, as our client wants to know what options he has to end his life, without risking the prosecution of others."

willstone@peoples-press.com