A British mother who expressed a desire to die despite not suffering from a terminal illness has travelled to a controversial Swiss suicide clinic after paying £10,000 to end her life. Wendy Duffy, 56, a former nurse from the West Midlands, flew to Switzerland this week with the intention of ending her life at the Pegasos facility, stating she would do so 'with a smile on my face' after receiving approval from the clinic last year.
Ms Duffy is physically healthy but has been experiencing profound mental anguish following the death of her son, Marcus, who died four years ago at the age of 23 after choking on a piece of tomato. Medics believed Marcus, who was hungover at the time, likely died after falling asleep with part of a sandwich still in his mouth. Ms Duffy has never recovered from her loss and has paid the Swiss suicide clinic to facilitate her death.
Pegasos: A Controversial Facility
Pegasos, founded in 2019 and based in Basel, is a more controversial assisted dying centre compared to the better-known Dignitas. While assisted suicide is legal in Switzerland, Pegasos has a much more lenient acceptance criteria, accepting anyone over the age of 18, whether they are terminally or mentally ill. The clinic is situated in a luxurious, modern estate set in the rolling Swiss countryside and is equipped with rooms where patients can take their own lives.
To be accepted, prospective patients must complete an online application, which Pegasos employees 'thoroughly' review. The approval time varies depending on the circumstances and volume of applications. Pegasos facilitates death by providing patients with the means to administer a lethal solution themselves.
Family Notification Controversy
While Ms Duffy has informed her family of her plans, Pegasos has faced criticism for failing to notify the family of a Welsh woman, Anne, 51, who died after reportedly using its services in 2025. The clinic claimed it attempted to contact her brother, John, via phone and text, but he stated he received no such communication. Anne's family learned of her death through letters sent from Switzerland.
In response, a Pegasos spokesperson said: 'According to our protocols we do the best of our abilities that persons we assist have informed their loved ones of their plans to die. Should we have reason to assume that no information has been provided to close family, we will refrain from proceeding without credible proof that they are aware.' The spokesperson added, 'We understand that the assisted death of a loved person is a distressing time for the family. We are very sorry if Pegasos’ actions or communications have caused further distress to any affected family member at any time and thoroughly consider all concerns.' They emphasised that all actions have been in accordance with Swiss law since the clinic's foundation.
For emotional support, the Samaritans can be reached 24/7 on 116 123 or via email at jo@samaritans.org.
