Warning: This article contains discussion of cancer which some readers may find distressing.
The partner of British woman, Tracy Hickman, who has now died by euthanasia aged 57 has shared a beautiful tribute.
Today (22 May), Tracey, who has been fighting for euthanasia rights in the UK since her heartbreaking terminal cancer diagnosis, was euthanised in New Zealand - where it has been legalised five years back now.
The law, which was first introduced under the End of Life Choice Act in 2019, allows competent adults to choose an assisted death, under the conditions that they have a terminal illness, are aged 18 or over and have six months to live.
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Alongside side this, any individual who decides on this option must also be in 'unbearable suffering' that cannot be relieved, while also being in an 'advanced state of irreversible decline in physical capability'.
Last week, the British-New Zealand national, who was diagnosed with breast cancer in March 2019 after a routine mammogram, told her followers in an emotional statement: "The closer it gets, the more peaceful I feel.
"But I’m so sorry for causing distress to my family and friends, although they understand. The alternative is to live for another couple of months or so but have an uncertain and painful death."
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As an activist, Tracy used her platform to fight for others in her position to be able to decide when they believe it is the right time for them to go.
She hoped that calling on politicians to reconsider their stance on assisted dying in the UK - where it is illegal - would assist other cancer sufferers in avoiding an 'uncertain and painful death'.
Tracy has since passed away and her partner, Paul Qualtrough, and her NZ podcasting pal, Dom Harvey, have taken to social media to confirm the news of her death.
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Dom shared a snap of himself and Tracy smiling, sweetly captioning the post: "Tracy Hickman passed away peacefully today. She was on a beach in the sunshine, surrounded by her loved ones. It was exactly what she wanted. It was an honour being able to share her story."
Amidst the hundreds of comments, Tracy's partner Paul praised: "Thanks for your handling of this story.
"It has been sensitive, and the family really appreciated how you brought it to people's attention in a way that allowed her to raise the awareness she wanted without sensationalising it nor seeking attention."
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He added: "Thank you so much for turning the simple legacy she sought for her young great nieces and others into something really special."
Dom then replied: "Thanks so much Paul. It was an absolute honour.
"I was so relieved when I saw the sun out and heard it went exactly the way Tracy hoped. Since then my thoughts have been on all of you guy."
If you’ve been affected by any of these issues and want to speak to someone in confidence, contact Macmillan’s Cancer Support Line on 0808 808 00 00, 8am–8pm seven days a week.
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If you have experienced a bereavement and would like to speak with someone in confidence, contact Cruse Bereavement Care via their national helpline on 0808 808 1677.
Rhiannon Ingle