A mother suffering from a neurological movement disorder that leaves her in constant pain has called for a change in the law to help people die at home.

Jackie Meacock, from Brighton, suffers from dystonia and although the condition is not lifethreatening, she says it makes her want to die.

The 70-year-old said she wants people who want to commit assisted suicide to be able to do so at home rather than have to travel to a foreign clinic.

She said: “If I was a dog, you would put me down.

“But at least when I’m asleep I’m not in pain. I count the hours until half past eight or nine o’clock comes around.

But when I wake in the morning it all starts again.”

People with dystonia suffer sustained muscle contractions which cause twisting and repetitive movements or abnormal postures.

Her daughter, Nina Sloper, said despite treatment her mother’s life is “morphine, pain, sadness”.

James Harris, of group Dignity in Dying, which campaigns for greater choice at the end of life, said people were clearly “taking matters into their own hands”.

The Dystonia Society said it could not comment.