It is now five years since the death of Diane Pretty from motor neurone disease.

Since then, many people have felt the need to go to Dignitas to end their suffering and others have simply suffered in silence.

Having had breast cancer diagnosed myself, I should find comfort in knowing my death will be as peaceful as possible and my wishes will be respected. I am aware that, at the moment, doctors are reluctant to offer adequate analgesia to control pain for fear of being accused of assisting dying.

Should even good palliative care prove inadequate and my pain become intractable, I need to know I can make a decision to end my suffering. This must be limited to a personal, carefully considered choice and appropriate legal curbs must be put in place to prevent coercion.

During the emotional period when we watch the dying of a loved one, it is of enormous value to have knowledge of the wishes of the sufferer and a living will can ensure this, but in the absence of a written document the patient's voice must be listened to.

It appears the majority of the public agree with a change in the law and an Assisted Dying for the Terminally Ill Bill, as proposed by Lord Joffe, would have allowed people such as Diane the option of a safe, legal assisted death.

  • Marion Clarke, Ravenswood Drive, Brighton