Deep-seated fear of dependency on others

We were saddened to read about Gill Pharaoh, a 75-year-old, retired palliative care nurse from West London, who travelled to Lifecare, the assisted dying clinic in Switzerland, to end her own life. Ms Pharaoh was healthy and active, despite some of the restrictions of getting older.

Ms Pharaoh wanted to avoid being a burden on her children.

Care, Not Killing, a UK-based group which campaigns against assisted dying, has described the situation as “deeply troubling”. We would add that it is a tragic reflection of the low value placed on older adults within society.