In 2005 Tony Nicklinson had a catastrophic stroke, which has left him utterly paralysed. He has what is known as ‘locked in syndrome’ and cannot move, talk, feed himself or perform even the most basic function without help. He can only communicate via a computer controlled by his eyes.
In this two part series Tony speak with BBC News about wanting to end his life.
In 2005 Tony Nicklinson had a catastrophic stroke, which has left him utterly paralysed. He has what is known as ‘locked in syndrome’ and cannot move, talk, feed himself or perform even the most basic function without help. He can only communicate via a computer controlled by his eyes.
In this two part series Tony speak with BBC News about wanting to end his life.
A locked-in syndrome patient has tweeted for the first time. It is believed to be the first time ever a patient with this condition has tweeted using special eye movement technology.
Tony Nicklinson, who seven years ago had a major stroke that left his body completely paralysed, but his mind unharmed, tweeted the simple message: @TonyNicklinson Hello world. I am tony nicklinson, I have locked-in syndrome and this is my first ever tweet. #tony The moment was captured by Channel 4 Dispatches ahead of a programme which broadcasts next week (Monday 18th June at 8pm) about Tony’s life and his forthcoming landmark court hearing, which will directly consider for the first time the question of euthanasia — where a doctor is authorised to take the life of a patient.
Tony’s story will broadcast on Channel 4 Dispatches on Monday 18th June at 8pm and afterwards online. For residents outside of the UK the following 3:00 minute segment has become available – http://www.guardian.co.uk/society/video/2012/jun/18/locked-in-syndrome-tony-nicklinson-video
Life Before Death Wednesday 9 April 2008 – Sunday 18 May 2008
Nothing teaches us more about life than death itself. Journalist Beate Lakotta and photographer Walter Schels asked 24 terminally ill people if they could accompany them during their last weeks and days. From these vigils came a series of insightful descriptions and photographic portraits taken before and after death.
Far from being gloomy, these intimate concerns of the dying reveal the preciousness and transience of life, and make us question what we often take for granted.
They discuss their experiences of meeting and photographing terminally ill patients, and what this taught them about life and dying.
By Doug Gosling January 7, 2012
Having cancer can significantly change your friendships. You lose some and others surprise you by becoming closer. This has certainly been my experience. And when I became terminal, it changed even more. I’m finding that this is quite common. I thought it would useful to share some examples with you to help you understand what life can be like for those of us on the downslide.
You can lose friends for lots of reasons. One way is pretty obvious. If your illness prevents you from working, you are going to suddenly find yourself disconnected from dozens of people who have been your “”friends”” for years. Unless you have established a couple of strong friendships outside of work, you just won’t see them anymore. I’ve left behind lots of work friends as I’ve moved around jobs and really don’t see any of them anymore. Once in a while I will get a call or an email, which I really appreciate, but none of them are part of my support system now.
But then there are your other friends, the ones who have been with you for years before you were ill. Many of our friends are couples, originally met [...] continue the story
