Britain's old couple sign up for death in double suicide pod after wife’s dementia diagnosis

Britain's former RAF engineer and his wife have become the first couple in the country to have signed up using a double suicide pod to die together.

The couple, Peter and Christine Scott, have been married for 46 years and took the decision to die in a suicide pod after 80-year-old Christine, who was earlier a nurse, was diagnosed with early-stage vascular dementia weeks ago.

The British couple has decided they will travel to Switzerland where they will end their lives in each other's arms by using the death capsule Sarco.

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The couple informed their family members about their tragic decision after suffering in a failingNHS and losing their life savings and home in the process to pay burdening care costs. The couple's son and daughter have reluctantly agreed to their decision.

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The couple have six grandchildren and they are now making their registrations with Swiss-based organisation The Last Resort which offers the service of assisted dying in Sarco. This novel death capsule was unveiled in July.

Inside the pod, once the process of dying is activated, air - which is filled with 21 per cent oxygen and 79 per cent nitrogen - gets replaced with 100 per cent nitrogen.

In the process, the occupant slowly becomes unconscious and eventually dies in less than 10 minutes.

It was created by Australian-born Philip Nitschke, who has been nicknamed Doctor Death. Hesaid that the first suicide will happen soon.

Here's why the couple chose assisted dying

The Scotts have decided to wait till the machine's new twin model gets launched later this year.

In an interview from their home in the Suffolk village of Mellis, the couple spoke about their plans and hoped that it would build more pressure on campaigns calling for allowance of assisted dying in the United Kingdom.

"We have had long, happy, healthy, fulfilled lives but here we are in old age and it does not do nice things to you," Peter said.

"The idea of watching the slow degradation of Chris's mental abilities in parallel to my own physical decline is horrific to me. Obviously, I would care for her to the point I could not, but she has nursed enough people with dementia during her career to be adamant she wants to remain in control of herself and her life. Assisted dying gives her that opportunity and I would not want to go on living without her," he added.

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"We understand other people may not share our feelings and we respect their position. What we want is the right to choose. I find it deeply depressing we can't do that here in the UK," the former RAF engineer said.

"Yet look at the alternative. The chances of getting prompt NHS treatment for the ailments of old age seem pretty remote so you end up trapped by infirmity and pain. I don't want to go into care, to be lying in bed dribbling and incontinent – I don't call that a life. Finally, the Government swoops in to take your savings and your house to pay for it all," he added.

Peter said that he is going through all the paperwork currently which is required for the application. However, he is worried about Christine's application because it is difficult to get permission for assisted suicide for dementia.

While speaking to The Daily Mail, Dr Nitschke said that the couple's suicide pod is ready for launch. "The capsule for two people works exactly the same as the single Sarco but there is only one button so they will decide between them who will push it. Then they'll be able to hold each other and one of them will push the button," he said.

Inside the pod, a camera has been installed which will record their final moments before death.

(With inputs from agencies)

Get help & support for suicide

If you or someone you know wants help for mental well-being, don't hesitate to talk to a professional. You can contact local authorities and also encourage the person to contact asuicide prevention hotline.WION is not associated with any of these organisations and does not make any recommendations.