Woman who was accused of murdering her husband says she would 'do it again'
| Published date | 09 March 2024 |
| Author | Rosaleen Fenton |
| Publication title | EdinburghLive (Scotland) |
Through telling their story, the family hope to win over those who think assisted dying should remain illegal. Dame Esther Rantzen, who is also campaigning for a law change after being diagnosed with terminal cancer, said: "I pray the power of this drama will persuade lawmakers and the medical profession that criminalising assisted dying is cruel and wrong.
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"That is what the vast majority of the public believe." The broadcasting legend, 83, added: "That is the best memorial for Dennis and Mavis. And it is a legacy that will provide comfort and protection for generations of terminally ill patients and their families."
After cancer-stricken Dennis told Mavis his plan to end his life when the pain became too much, she replied: "If that's the way you are going then I'm coming too." Then when the day arrived in 2018, they lay together in their home holding hands after taking 40 sleeping pills. She said: "Goodnight, darling." And he told her: "God bless."
But instead of slipping away peacefully together, they were disturbed by an unplanned visit from their daughter Lynne Eccleston, 64, who called 999. Dennis had signed a do not resuscitate letter and was made comfortable as he died, but Mavis had fallen unconscious before she finished writing her own request not to be revived on her 13-page suicide note, so doctors saved her.
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She was then taken from hospital in her nightie, locked in a police cell for 30 hours and accused of murdering Dennis. She was finally cleared after a trial 18 months later at Stafford crown court, but the trauma she endured took its toll.
Now the family have told their story to production company Corestar Media. The script for a drama – called Goodnight, Darling – has been written by Deborah Moggach, the author of The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel. Mavis, 85, whose story moved millions after the picture of her and her husband together in their hospital beds in his final moments was beamed around the world, told the Mirror: "I have no regrets.
"I would do it all again...
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