A LEADING campaigner has described a documentary featuring a terminally ill man taking his own life as a “wonderful, powerful statement” in favour of a change in the law.

Retired GP Michael Irwin, from Hove, said he hoped How to Die: Simon’s Choice would lead to a renewed public discussion about the issue of assisted suicide in this country.

The programme featured the story of Simon Binner, who was diagnosed with motor neurone disease (MND) in January last year and took his own life at a Swiss clinic the following October.

Dr Irwin said: “Simon was a passionate supporter of a UK law to permit doctor-assisted suicide when a competent adult is suffering unbearably from a serious medical condition.

"He was so willing for his tragic, personal story to be known publicly.”

The documentary showed the businessman gripping his wife Debbie’s hand tightly as he pressed button which would release fatal drugs into his body.

Viewers have described the scenes as the saddest they had seen, heartbreaking and distressing.

Others said they had been deeply moved by the programme and that at times it was difficult to watch but very important.

Mr Binner’s wife Debbie was also praised for her strength in coping with the tragic situation.

Controversial footage showing his life ebb away was cut at the last minute after the BBC came under pressure from the Samaritans.

Despite the concerns raised ahead of the programme, the BBC has received fewer than ten complaints and said it had received more comments in favour of documentary.

Broadcasting watchdog Ofcom received no complaints.

However Argus Appeal co-ordinator Elsa Gilio, whose husband Keith Winsper died from MND last October, said she and her husband had decided not to take Mr Binner’s route.

She said: “We had the conversation of assisted dying and without a doubt I would have moved heaven and earth to fulfil his decision.

“Keith was not a religious man but respected and admired our many friends who have committed themselves to the church and other spiritual paths.

"He would have respected Simon’s decision, shook his hand and wished him well, but taking his own life was not for him.”

It is illegal to encourage or assist someone to take their own life in England and Wales.