Isle of Man debates assisted dying as mum remembers son's 'horrific' death

By Hanna Geissler, Daily Express Health Editor

Millie (right) has been campaigning for around 50 years (Image: Dignity in Dying)

A woman whose son suffered a “horrific” death from skin cancer was among campaigners outside the Isle of Man’s parliament on Tuesday.

Millie Blenkinsop-French, 80, has supported efforts to legalise assisted dying for around 50 years.

She joined a demonstration as a bill aiming to change the law was debated for several hours by members of the House of Keys.

Millie's fight became deeply personal after her son James died in 2021, just 10 months after finding a lump on his neck.

She said: “I know if assisted dying had been available he would have opted for it. He died a very painful, horrific death. It was awful.

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Millie, who has lived on the island for 23 years, said support for assisted dying has grown significantly since she first took a petition to Tynwald in 2014.

The current bill was proposed by Dr Alex Allinson, MHK for Ramsey.

It seeks to introduce assisted dying for terminally ill residents, subject to strict safeguards.

Votes took place on crucial details of the legislation on Tuesday. Members voted 15 to nine for eligibility to be for those with a prognosis of 12 months left to live.

They also voted 14 to 10 for the eligibility to be open to those have been residents of the Isle of Man for a minimum of five years.

If the bill passes further debates and readings, it could receive Royal Assent as soon as next year and assisted dying could become available to Manx residents from 2027.

Sarah Wootton, Dignity in Dying chief executive, said: “The Isle of Man is now one step closer to giving dying people the choice and compassion they need and deserve.

“Members of the House of Keys should be congratulated for their compassion and common sense, which the Manx people have been calling out for.”

Dignity in Dying campaigners made their feelings known (Image: Dignity in Dying)