Tony Nicklinson winning the right to die is a step forward for self-determination but is two steps back for the quality of life for the elderly, infirm and disabled. During a TV interview is wife, a nurse, read out a very articulate statement that Tony had written on his computer and then went on to state and here I paraphrase, Tony spends most of the day on the Internet, he feels he has not much of a life and as a nurse I knew this day would come!

I guess doctors would very happily diagnose my position as locked in syndrome having severe cerebral palsy with an awful speech problem but I do not want this death sentence that this understandable court proceedings may render upon people like me!

As I type this into my laptop with my head pointer, in Costa Coffee, Plymouth, having just finished my third year, final performance dance rehearsal with my non-disabled dancers, which I choreograph via my spell board and laptop, I do not accept the diagnosis of being “locked in” is acceptable as a legal doctrine, except in extreme circumstances, where a person cannot articulate this sentiment. Cases such as Tony Bland, who was left in a vegetative state in a coma, after the Hillsborough disaster, where the House of Lords, rightly ruled his life support machine could be turned off, allowing him to die.

For me this comes down to a perceived ‘quality of life’ and here I’m lucky being disabled for all of my life. I spend a good ten hours a day online which has empowered me greatly negated my disability and enlightened me. Also I would bet most media professionals, students and office workers spend most of their lives sat online, does this indicate they are disenfranchised.

For people such as Tony who has a life changing event that renders them severely disabled I accept and understand they may never adjust or come to terms with their new reality but does this mean as a society we should just allow them to end it all.

If someone is locked in it does not necessarily automatically follow they feel or means they should be labelled as hopeless but this diagnosis as it stands is final and all encompassing. I rather two or more doctors and psychologists declare that a person cannot accept the physical state of their bodies and being allowed to terminate their existence would be a humane release from their torture.

If the court allows locked in syndrome as a vehicle to compel a doctor to kill, leaving aside a doctor’s oath to do no harm, it is my contention that many more people will end their lives because they feel a burden on their loved ones, carers or even because they believe it is what society wishes.

People such as Tony who feel they have the right to die must have the burden to prove they really have come to this final decision via their own journey and they have not been bullied or cohered in to this action and must show it is not a sudden whim. This would hopefully protect the vulnerable and allow the people who really desire to end their existence, a means to do this via a Legal procedure supported by a ‘medical’ opinion.

They really get me”!
I have about 9 minutes of material to show and I have not started on my final ‘movement. For once I’m doing this module my own pace and I will have 17 mins!
I was planning to have started to use music by now but the choreography has taken the guys and me in all sorts off directions, I have not had time to sit down and bored Stuart and Tim but by the next performance point music will be an integral part of the piece.
Please can you keep in mind for today’s performance my starting solo will be accompanied by Gene Kelly’s Singing in the rain and it should take between sixty and eighty seconds. Not having complete control of my movements I cannot completely choreograph any pieces that I am a core part of. . . . Or every dance piece has an element of Adam Benjamin build in. This means the dancers, Stuart and Tim know they may have to improvise at any moment!
My piece is in four parts which was slightly influence by my disability, with four parts should I fall, only one section should be disrupted, Hopefully. Below is a general outline of my performance.
I have to state here I hoped this performance would be a lot tighter by now but I had not attempted a piece where I am at the heart of it Before and the revelation that I have had although I can nail this performance, I or we will have to rehearse this constantly!

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Have you seen me in town,(Plymouth) alone?

I am very aware I appear unapproachable when out alone I regret this but despite appearances,I am very receptive. When I’m concentrating I appear very grim, I used to except help from every one but some people are shocked at my speech and sometimes freak out and call the police. Most people can understand me once they tune in.

The Internet and texts allows me to surmount my communication problems, contact me, EVEN IF YOU JUST WANT TO CHAT JUST MESSAGE ME!

If you have an idea or a question just email me, no matter what enquiry is! Students or non professionals : In these days of credit crunch, I’m not looking for money, unless you want to treat me to lunch, maybe coffee, wine or even help pay for My Broken Laptop Repair!

I write my own political and motivational speeches, as well as travel articles! I have written some speeches and statements for others! I am looking for other opportunities and would be willing to write 5 pieces for free, so you can judge my prowess! Read my old FREE blog!