First British couple sign up to use controversial ‘suicide pod’ and die in each other’s arms

They are set to be the first British couple to use a double suicide pod

A couple is registering to be the first British people to try out a controversial double suicide pod.

Peter, who is 86, and his wife Christine, who is 80, have been joyfully married for 46 years. They are making plans to go to Switzerland so they can be together in the Sarco death capsule when they pass away.

The choice was made after Christine, a former nurse, found out she has early-stage vascular dementia.

The Sarco suicide capsule (ARND WIEGMANN/AFP via Getty Images)

Peter, a former RAF pilot, shared with the Daily Mail, “We’ve lived long, happy, and healthy lives, but now that we’re older, things aren’t as pleasant.”

It’s really scary to think about how Chris’s mind is getting worse while I’m also dealing with my own body getting weaker.

It’s clear that I would take care of her as much as I could, but she has helped so many people with dementia in her job that she really wants to stay in charge of her own life and decisions.

“Assisted dying gives her that opportunity and I would not want to go on living without her.”

The couple, who have six grandchildren, are getting ready to join a Swiss group called The Last Resort. This organization is providing them with the option of assisted dying using a special pod.

Sarco, which is short for ‘sarcophagus’, is a special capsule made with 3D printing. It sits on a stand and has a container filled with liquid nitrogen inside. This design is meant to help people end their lives by using inert gas to cause asphyxiation.

Using nitrogen lowers the amount of oxygen really fast, which helps stop panic and the feeling of not being able to breathe. This whole process only takes about 10 minutes.

The couple are planning to travel to Switzerland to die in each other’s arms in the Sarco death capsule (ARND WIEGMANN/AFP via Getty Images)

Peter said, “We realize that not everyone feels the same way we do, and we totally respect their opinions.”

All we really want is the freedom to make our own choices. It makes me really sad that we can’t do that in the UK.

But think about the other option. The likelihood of receiving quick NHS care for age-related issues appears quite low, which means you might find yourself stuck dealing with weakness and discomfort.

I really don’t want to end up in a care home, just lying in bed and not being able to control myself. That doesn’t seem like living to me.

In the end, the Government comes in and takes away your money and your home to cover the costs.

Christine added: “It’s a lovely life but I have this diagnosis, and that’s crystallised our thinking.

“Medicine can slow vascular dementia but it can’t stop it. At the point I thought I was losing myself, I’d say: ‘This is it, Pete, I don’t want to go any further’.”

This follows the announcement from Dr. Philip Nitschke, the creator of the suicide pod, who mentioned his intention to set them up in the UK.

Featured Image Credit: Exit International/Sarco