Title: Lesley and John
This video contains some powerful imagery and commentary. Some viewers may find this upsetting.
Lesley's brother John has been diagnosed with Motor Neurone Disease an incurable muscle wasting illness. John's life has drastically changed as a result and he now depends on others 24 hours a day. Find out more about John and Lesley

Ian Marshall	Mon 18/08/2003 18:07
Lesley, I found your videos with John extremely moving and yet calming .I work in Palliative care and currently have a patient who is strongly considering assisted suicide in Switzerland, although she is still relatively well.It is the fear that she will lose control of the decision making process and further lose her dignity, that makes her consider it now.My role as one of her doctors is to listen, support and help her to see that although the future is bleak there is living to be done.I certainly do not attempt to dissuade her from her suicidal ideas , but feel that a more personalised care package and more "useful" information will her her with her "timing". I wonder when it was in his illness that John made the decision to end his life and for how long he had "quality" before finally going to Switzerland? I hope to help my patient feel empowered again! Once again thanks for such helpful and touching footage!

Richard MacDonald, M.D.	Mon 18/08/2003 18:07
John's disease, called ALS in America, imprisons the sufferer in a body that deteriorates while the brain remains alert and aware of the devastating effects. Lesley and John are very brave to reveal this in the video. The loving attention displayed by sister to brother is very moving. John should be able to ask his physician for a peaceful dying process when he decides that no further living is acceptable to him. Having provided information and support to many ALS patients over the past five years, in a program called "Caring Friends", we have learned that many wish to find a death that is speedy, sure and as peaceful as possible. Laws that deny this are medieval and imposing of the philosophy of those who oppose any hastened dying. These laws must change.

Marge McKinnis	Thu 29/05/2003 07:02
He is and was the kind of friend everyone should have at least once in a lifetime. The kind you never want to forget. It's a helpless feeling to know someone you love is going through torture and you can't do a thing to ease their pain. I hope someday soon a cure can be found for MND.

Adam Dyson	Tue 27/05/2003 18:49
the video was very sad but seemed very peaceful for john. i feel very bad how his life has been very bad. im only 15 and always thinking about what was going to happen to me when i grow up. i hope the family of john recovers. i still cant belive my father died last year. its very hard to cope but it will get better to cope. r.i.p john

Brad Bradstock	Sun 25/05/2003 00:45
I've just spent Sunday afternoon with John and a group of friends who gathered with him at willen Lake for a celebration of words and music prior to him leaving for Switzerland. It was an incredibly moving experience and one that I shall always remember. Thanks John for being part of my life,Your courage and dignity is an example to us all. My love goes with you along with my thoughts for you and the friends that are accompanying you on your last journey.I'm gonna miss ya mate. Brad