Warning: This article contains discussion of assisted dying that some readers may find distressing. <\/p>\n
A couple chose to be euthanised together after nearly 50 years of happy marriage. <\/p>\n
Jan Faber, 70, and Els van Leeningen, 71, opted to die together by duo-euthanasia - a very rare, but legal way of choosing to end your life, which is slowly becoming more popular in the Netherlands. <\/p>\n
The couple had a life-long partnership, having met in their early years at school before going on to marry and welcome a son. <\/p>\n
Jan and Els lived the majority of their life on boats and in their final years, in a motorhome. <\/p>\n
Initially, Els trained as a primary school teacher while Jan was a sports coach, but then the couple decided to build a business transporting goods around the Netherlands inland waterways. <\/p>\n
Jan developed serious back pain due to the heavy-lifting involved in his job, and despite having surgery on his back in 2003, his condition didn't improve. <\/p>\n
This sparked a conversation about euthanasia between himself and his wife, and they found themselves joining NVVE the Netherlands 'right to die' organisation. <\/p>\n
If you take a lot of medicine, you live like a zombie, Jan told the BBC. So, with the pain I have, and Els illness, I think we have to stop this. <\/p>\n
Els retired from teaching in 2018 and was showing early signs of dementia. <\/p>\n
In November 2022, she was formally diagnosed with the disease, and later learned her condition would not improve. <\/p>\n
Jan and Els, along with their son, began discussing duo-euthanasia, as they both continued to struggle with their health. <\/p>\n
\"Ive lived my life, I dont want pain anymore, Jan said. The life weve lived, were getting old [for it]. We think it has to be stopped. <\/p>\n
It was noted that if Els' condition worsened, she may not be considered to have the capacity to decide for herself that she wants to die. <\/p>\n
The couple made the decision to be euthanised with the support of their loved ones and spent their final day surrounded by their family and best friends. <\/p>\n
Jan and Els, along with their loved ones, went to the local hospice the following day and spent two hours together talking and listening to music before doctors came. <\/p>\n
The final half hour was difficult, the couple's son, who asked not to be named, said. The doctors arrived and everything happened quickly - they follow their routine, and then its just a matter of minutes. <\/p>\n
Els and Jan were administered lethal medication by doctors and died together on Monday 3 June 2024. <\/p>\n
If youve been affected by any of these issues and want to speak to someone in confidence, please dont suffer alone. Call Samaritans for free on their anonymous 24-hour phone line on 116 123. <\/p>\n
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Read the original here:<\/p>\n
Heartbreaking reason why couple happily married for almost 50 years decided to be euthanised together - LADbible<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Warning: This article contains discussion of assisted dying that some readers may find distressing. Continue reading