Doctor who championed assisted suicide dies of cancer

A DOCTOR who championed assisted suicide has died from pancreatic cancer.

Dr Ann McPherson, one of the best-known GPs in the UK, died at the weekend aged 65.

She was a patron of Dignity in Dying and founder of Healthcare Professionals for Assisted Dying.

Sarah Wootton, chief executive of Dignity in Dying, said: "All at Dignity in Dying are saddened by Ann's death.

"In the two years since she became involved, Ann has done a huge amount for the campaign and she leaves an incredible legacy.

"The fact that she founded Healthcare Professionals for Assisted Dying, was an active patron of Dignity in Dying and continued to work tirelessly on other projects close to her heart, all at the late stages of terminal cancer, is a testament to her strength and tenacity."

Joe Collier, acting chairman of Healthcare Professionals for Assisted Dying, said: "In her spirit we will work to change the law so that the cruelty - her word - of those who let her suffer horribly will be a thing of the past."