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Daughter says she took dad to euthanasia clinic to carry out his final wish

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Daughter says she took dad to euthanasia clinic to carry out his final wish

Sandra Holmes and her son Scott (Picture: Daily Post Wales)

A woman says she took her father to a euthanasia clinic in Switzerland to carry out his final wish.

Sandra Holmes, 66, and her 40-year-old son Scott accompanied John Lenton, 93, to Dignitas to end his life on October 25 last year.

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She had feared being prosecuted because euthanasia is illegal in the UK but has broken her silence in a bid to get the law changed.

It was just like watching him fall asleep, Ms Holmes, from Llanrwst, Wales, told the Daily Post when talking about the day her dad died.

Her son Scott added: Its the strangest combination of feelings, youre upset because your loved ones just died, but theres a relief for him that he is set free from what he was suffering from.

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Copy picture of John Lenton during his army days. Credit: Daily Post Wales Payment to Trinity Mirror Publishing Ltd PO Box 2003 39 Old Hall Street Liverpool L69 3FR

John Lenton during his army days Picture: Daily Post Wales)

Copy picture of John Lenton during his army days. Credit: Daily Post Wales Payment to Trinity Mirror Publishing Ltd PO Box 2003 39 Old Hall Street Liverpool L69 3FR

Another image of John Lenton when he was in the army (Picture: Daily Post Wales)

After taking the lethal powdered drug it took Mr Lenton just 15 minutes to pass away.

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The pensioner, who had lived in Nebo, Wales, had taken the decision to die after suffering from several medical conditions, including Parkinsons disease, deafness and blindness.

Mr Lenton lost his wife Jeanne back in 2011 after 64 years of marriage and had moved to a care home after initlaly being cared for by his daughhter.

But Ms Holmes could no longer look after him when her son Scott had a stroke.

She added: The total indignity of having his daughter care for him, changing and cleaning him was, for him, so humiliating.

She said Mr Lenton, who was a World War II veteran, made the decision to end his life in the spring 2017 and asked her to accompany him to Switzerland.

After discussing it with her son and partner Ted she agreed to do it.

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Copy picture of John Lenton who enjoyed walking outdoors. Credit: Daily Post Wales Payment to Trinity Mirror Publishing Ltd PO Box 2003 39 Old Hall Street Liverpool L69 3FR

John Lenton who enjoyed walking outdoors (Picture: Daily Post Wales)

But the family were concerned authorities would intervene so lied to Mr Lentons care home they were taking him on holiday in order to get him out.

Ms Holmes, a former nursery nurse, said: You are on pins and even getting to the airport was a nightmare because the law here can stop you leaving the country and you can be arrested.

Because of this, we hired a car so that our car couldnt be followed or tracked to the airport, this is the lengths that the law drives you to.

When they arrived in Switzerland Ms Holmes said her father was at peace and they were able to talk about his funeral arrangements.

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Copy picture of John Lenton with grandson Scott Holmes. Credit: Daily Post Wales Payment to Trinity Mirror Publishing Ltd PO Box 2003 39 Old Hall Street Liverpool L69 3FR

John Lenton with grandson Scott Holmes (Picture: Daily Post Wales)

Ms Holmes added: He was the most relaxed Id seen him in years because it was finally happening and his suffering was coming to an end,” said Sandra.

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It sounds weird but it was actually quite a pleasant time, Dad looked ten years younger and you could see the weight had gone from his shoulders because wed made it there and it was going to be ok.”

His main and major concern was what would happen to us when we came back but that was something we were prepared to deal with later.

Scott added: Grandad was just so glad it was happening, he just wanted it to be over.

The family told police what had happened when they returned to the UK but charity Dignity In Dying says prosecution is less like if they had been motivated by compassion and Mr Lenton had reached a clear and informed decision.

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