Profiles

Here, you can find any of the interviews on this site.



Gillian - Interview 37

Gillian's father, aged 84, had an incurable disease. His motor neurone function was getting progressively worse. He needed constant care, and wanted an assisted death. In 2008 his family took him to Switzerland, where Dignitas helped him to die.

  • Background

    Gillian, a consultant, lives with her partner. Ethnic background/nationality: White English

  • Age at interview 52
  • Sex/Gender Female
  • Mike - Interview 9

    In 1972, when Mike was aged 18, his father took his own life. He died in his car by inhaling fumes from the exhaust. His death has had a huge impact on Mike's life. Mike has done much to help others bereaved due to suicide, which has also helped him.

  • Background

    Mike is a mental health lecturer and social worker. He is married. Ethnic background/nationality: White British.

  • Age at interview 53
  • Sex/Gender Male
  • Rachel - Interview 15

    In 1981 Rachel's mother took her own life. She was probably ill with depression when she used a gun to kill herself. Rachel was 15 at the time and was not offered any professional support. Since then she has had some counselling, which has been helpful.

  • Background

    Rachel is a housewife. She is married and has 2 children aged 3 and 5. Ethnic background/nationality: white British.

  • Age at interview 41
  • Sex/Gender Female
  • Ted - Interview 19

    Ted was 12 years old when his father took his own life by hanging. Ted's family found it hard to talk about it and Ted lacked information. He felt intense grief during that first year. Ted has found help by researching his father's life and through SOBS.

  • Background

    Ted is a web designer. He is married and has 2 children (1 grown-up). Ethnic background/nationality: White British.

  • Age at interview 56
  • Sex/Gender Male
  • Lynne - Interview 26

    In 1981, when Lynne was 19, her mother drowned in the bath at home. It seems that she took her own life. Lynne felt her mother had been let down by the professionals who had been involved in her care. She has found support from friends & colleagues.

  • Background

    Lynne is a university lecturer and occupational therapist. She is married. Ethnic background/nationality: White British.

  • Age at interview 47
  • Sex/Gender Female
  • Susan - Interview 36

    In 2001 Susan's father jumped to his death. He was 78 and had terminal cancer and did not want to die a painful, lingering death. Susan felt comfortable with his decision, but wishes he could have had an assisted death so he could have died less violently.

  • Background

    Susan is a part time teacher. She is married and has 2 grown-up children. Ethnic background/nationality: White British.

  • Age at interview 58
  • Sex/Gender Female