A euthanasia campaigner nicknamed Dr Death has said he is preparing to take a Sussex woman abroad to be helped to die.

Michael Irwin said he is expecting to escort the 91-year-old – who does not have a terminal illness – to Switzerland’s Dignitas clinic in the next few months.

The woman is believed to be the first person from Sussex to use the clinic.

Dr Irwin, a 79-year-old former GP, of Cromwell Road, Hove, has claimed he has helped 50 patients die.

Speaking exclusively to The Argus yesterday, he said: “I’m in touch with somebody who lives in Eastbourne who is 91, who is not terminally ill but who will be going to Switzerland in the next two or three months.

“She has extensive arthritis. She has decided, “I can’t go on much longer”.

“Generally you feel it should be a relative or a very close friend who goes, but she has no relatives any more, her husband is dead, she has no children, she lives in a care home.”

The woman has arthritis, but is not expected to die from her mmedical problems.

The Argus asked to be put in contact with the 91-year-old, however Dr Irwin said she wished to remain anonymous.

For the full story see today's Argus.