On 21 April I received a phone call advising me of the death of Avril Henry, a longstanding friend of some 15 years. The caller added that Avril had “died by her own hand but peacefully”. My response was “well that figures, that’s Avril”.
The following day I was amazed to find an account of her death in the Guardian (Woman ‘killed herself with euthanasia kit’, 22 April), with a further article on 23 April (Police action is blamed for academic’s suicide). I suppose interest was generated because she had illegally imported drugs used for euthanasia, and if she had been able to find a method that did not involve importing them there would have been no police or national press interest. She was certainly not well enough to travel to Switzerland.
I count myself fortunate to have been Avril’s friend. She was a warm, very intelligent and rational person, with a strong sense of humour. Frequently she was engaged in fighting battles with unsatisfactory workmen, the council, others who she felt had treated her badly, or over perceived miscarriages of justice. The energy and persistence with which she fought – and usually won – was worthy of admiration.
I find it shocking to read that attempts were made to section her under the Mental Health Act, presumably as a danger to herself. If this is standard practice then it needs reviewing. Avril would have planned her suicide rationally, in great detail, just like all her other campaigns. She did not have any Christian beliefs; I used to send her a “winter solstice card”, a festival she celebrated at the bottom of her garden, in the orchard. I guessed immediately before reading about it that this would be the place where she would like to rest.
Of one thing there can be no doubt: Avril would have been delighted that once again she had won, even if she was forced to take action sooner than intended. May she rest in peace.
Margaret Yerrell
Devon
Outrage does not cover it! What the hell are the police doing battering down the door of a gentle, intelligent woman of 82 who no longer wants to suffer the agonies of a dreadful slow death.
My lovely wife recently managed her own death when she was in a similar situation. I was carted off for three days by the police and had to endure two sittings of a very fraught inquest – which of course, can be reprised at any time. It was my great good fortune to have the police and the Crown Prosecution Service bring no case, but why should I have to rely on “good fortune”? And why must I live with the possibility of it all being reopened?
The present situation is an abomination. In 50 years or so, it will cause the kind of disbelief we now have for factories full of small children. Please think about it. Rally round. Kick up a stink – now!
Name and address supplied
