Healthy 56-year-old woman explains why she is flying to controversial 'suicide clinic' to end her life

A healthy 56-year-old woman has opened up about why she is flying to a controversial suicide clinic to end her life.

Wendy Duffy's decision to travel to Pegasos, a clinic in Switzerland that assists individuals in ending their lives, has been over a year in the making.

Unlike many of the people who seek assisted death, the woman, who is from England, is not physically ill.

Instead, her decision comes from the emotional pain and trauma she has been experiencing since the death of her only child, Marcus, four years ago.

"I want to die, and that’s what I’m going to do," she told the Daily Mail. "It will be hard for everyone. But I want to die, and that's what I'm going to do. And I'll have a smile on my face when I do, so please be happy for me. My life; my choice."

Duffy has made preparations for her end. She has paid over $13,000 for the procedure, written farewell letters, chosen her final outfit, and selected Lady Gaga and Bruno Mars' 'Die With A Smile' as the song that will play as she passes.

She will administer the medication herself under the supervision of medical professionals, a requirement of the law.

"They put the line in [to your arm] but you've got to turn the doobra [the dial] yourself to get it flowing. Then – ding, ding, ding – within a minute, you are in a coma, and a minute after that, you are gone," she explained.

The Death of Her Son

Marcus’s sudden death, caused by a tragic accident when he choked on a cherry tomato while resting on the couch, has left Duffy unable to cope with life.

She describes feeling emotionally numb and detached, unable to connect with the world around her.

"I exist. I don’t live,” she said. "Even though I've got family, I've got friends, I've got my routines.

"I go to the park. I'm not lonely, but I still sit at night, and I talk to Marcus, and I kiss the box I had made for his ashes, and I say 'goodnight, sunshine,' and I think 'I don't want to be in this world without you, Markie'. And I don't. It's as simple as that," she added.

Even though Switzerland allows assisted suicide for people with serious and chronic conditions, there are strict requirements. A panel of experts, including psychiatrists, reviewed the 56-year-old's application for months before approving her case.

"I've sat with so many people as they've gone. I've seen nice deaths, horrible deaths. I want a nice, gentle one," she said. "My life, my choice. I wish this was available in the UK, then I wouldn't have to go to Switzerland at all."

The Growing Trend of 'Suicide Tourism'

Wendy is not the only person traveling to Switzerland for Pegasos. Each week, at least one British citizen reportedly travels to the country to end their lives, with the clinic confirming that several cases have come from the UK.

The clinic's founder, Ruedi Habegger, insists that the application process is thorough, and clients must meet all legal criteria for assisted suicide.

As Duffy prepares to undergo her voluntary assisted death (VAD) procedure on Friday, she reflects on the life she has led and the choices she has made.

"I am spiritual, and I do believe Marcus will be waiting for me, but even if he is not, even if there is nothing on the other side, it will be better than this," she said.

She has already informed her family of her plans and ensured that her affairs are in order. While they are heartbroken, they support her decision, even if they disagree with it.

"Her family knew this was coming at one point or another. She is happy that she has their blessing. She feels content now, like a weight has been lifted," Habegger revealed.

If you or someone you know is struggling or in a mental health crisis, help is available via Mental Health America. Call or text 988 or chat 988lifeline.org.

Featured image credit: Yoss Sabalet / Getty