Profiles

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



Karen - Interview 04

In 2007 Karen's mother died when her house caught fire. It is unclear how the fire started, but the coroner decided it was an accidental death. Karen was shocked by her mother's death. She has been helped and supported by her husband and his family.

  • Background

    Karen is a registered Manager of a Care Home. She is married and has two children. Ethnic background/nationality: White British

  • Age at interview 40
  • Sex/Gender Female
  • Cynthia - Interview 02

    In 2000 Cynthia's 26 year old daughter was killed when she was knocked off her bicycle and run over by a lorry. The inquest verdict was 'accidental death' and the driver was acquitted. Cynthia was devastated and now campaigns to prevent other road deaths.

  • Background

    Cynthia was a University administrator (now retired). She is divorced and has one child, who died. Ethnic background/nationality: White British.

  • Age at interview 64
  • Sex/Gender Female
  • 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
  • Dr and Mrs Koch - Interview 35

    Dr and Mrs Koch had two babies who were born with Tay Sachs disease and died in childhood.

  • Background

    Dr Koch is a retired pathologist. Dr and Mrs Koch have two grown up children. Ethnic background nationality: Jewish

  • Sex/Gender Male
  • Cissie - Interview 34

    Cissie was born with Familial Dysautonomia, a hereditary condition which affects the nervous system. The condition has caused Cissie to experience considerable health issues over the years.

  • Background

    Cissie is a voluntary worker and lives with her parents. Ethnic background/nationality: Jewish

  • Sex/Gender Female
  • Marcel - Interview 33

    Marcel was diagnosed with Crohn's disease aged 20. Several years later he had surgery to remove part of his lower bowel.

  • Background

    Marcel is married with two children. He was born to two Holocaust survivor parents and runs Jewish Heritage tours. Ethnic background/nationality: Jewish.

  • Sex/Gender Male
  • Sam - Interview 32

    Sam has Familial Dysautonomia, a hereditary condition which affects the autonomic nervous system. Sam tries to focus on what he can do rather than dwell on the things he can't.

  • Background

    Sam is an actor. Ethnic background/nationality: Jewish.

  • Age at interview 38
  • Sex/Gender Male
  • Michelle - Interview 31

    Michelle was diagnosed with breast cancer and had a mastectomy and chemotherapy. She was shocked to discover she has a mutation on the BRCA2 gene and has since had another mastectomy and her ovaries removed.

  • Background

    Michelle is a tutor and housewife. She is married and has 3 children. Ethnic background/nationality: Jewish

  • Age at interview 41
  • Sex/Gender Female
  • Karen - Interview 30

    Karen was diagnosed with ovarian cancer and had a full hysterectomy between chemotherapy sessions. Now in remission, Karen has discovered she carries the BRCA1 mutation.

  • Background

    Karen is a barber. She is divorced and has 2 grown up children. Ethnic background/nationality: White Caucasian

  • Age at interview 48
  • Sex/Gender Female