As the heated debate over the assisted dying Bill reached a critical juncture, the atmosphere outside Parliament was charged with emotion. Demonstrators both supporting and opposing the legislation gathered in Westminster, eager to make their voices heard before the pivotal vote.

Among those present was Anil Douglas, whose personal story underscores the profound impact of the Bill’s passage. At 35, Anil reflects on the heart-wrenching experience of losing his father, Ian, who battled multiple sclerosis for years before ultimately taking his own life. Anil expressed feeling “incredibly relieved” by the Bill’s approval, seeing it as a significant step toward providing a dignified choice for those in similar circumstances.

Joshua Cook, a 33-year-old from Huddersfield facing his own health challenges, also shared his thoughts. Living with Huntington’s disease, an incurable neurodegenerative condition, Joshua described the Bill’s passage as a source of “relief,” highlighting the potential it offers for individuals to make personal decisions about their end-of-life care.

I’m incredibly relieved. I’m over the moon. MPs have voted for a safer, kinder, more compassionate future for dying people. I think it’s wonderful.

Meanwhile Joshua Cook, 33, from Huddersfield, who has Huntington’s disease – an incurable neurodegenerative disease, said it was a ‘relief’.

It is a weight off my mind, as a terminally ill person, and you can just look around here, at people who are truly affected by this.

It’s a relief it’s history, finally we are getting towards having a society that shows love and compassion above the need to just keep people alive.