Scientist flies to Swiss suicide clinic to end his life because he 'regrets living to 104'

Botanist and ecologist Dr David Goodall boarded a flight wearing a jumper bearing the words “ageing disgracefully”.

The London-born academic, who has lived in Australia since 1948, is travelling to the Life Circle clinic in Basel for voluntary euthanasia on the grounds that his quality of life has severely deteriorated.

Goodall, who is an honorary research associate at Edith Cowan University in Perth, is being supported by his family in his decision to end his life.

He said: “I am 104 years old so I haven’t got much time left anyway.

“I might as well not have [my health] getting worse and worse, making me unhappy as it goes.”

On his 104th birthday in early April, Goodall said his birthday wish was to die and claimed he greatly regretted having lived to such an age.

He said: “I’m not happy. I want to die.

“It’s not sad particularly, what is sad is if one is prevented.

“If one chooses to kill oneself, then that should be fair enough. I don’t think anyone else should interfere.”

Following two reported suicide attempts, Goodall was assisted in his journey to Switzerland by pro-euthanasia charity Exit International, of which he has been a member for more than 15 years.

Accompanied by a close friend and a representative from Exit International, Goodall will spend time with family in France before ending his life on May 10.

While euthanasia is illegal in both the UK and Australia, some Australian states are in the process of introducing voluntary euthanasia laws for the terminally ill, and the state of Victoria plans to legalise euthanasia in mid-2019. 

Goodall added: “My feeling is that an old person like myself should have full citizenship rights including the right of assisted suicide.”

Goodall previously hit the headlines in 2016 when, aged 102, his university claimed he was a safety risk to himself and ordered him to leave office.

The decision was eventually reversed following a public outcry and Goodall was provided with an office closer to his home.

For confidential support call the Samaritans in the UK on 116 123 or visit a local Samaritans branch.