Warning: This article contains discussions of assisted suicide that some readers may find upsetting
Australian man Scott Hollingshed knows his days are numbered and has a heartbreaking message to the world before he ends his life through euthanasia.
Hollingshed is set to be the latest person to take part in Australia’s voluntary assisted dying program in New South Wales, which is set to see him end his life on Friday (2 August).
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He said the decision did not come lightly, but he doesn’t want to die like his father did when he faced a terminal illness.
Hollingshed has said his stage four lung cancer is making living every day more difficult. He noted there are days where he doesn’t even have the energy to eat or put on his socks.
Speaking to 7News, he said: “It got to the point where I couldn’t even put my socks on and my missus used to get down on her hands and knees and put my socks on.
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“I know people do things for people they love but that broke my heart seeing her do that.”
Holding back tears, Hollingshed said that he wasn’t scared of dying as it happens to everyone, but he did not want to leave behind his incredible partner behind.
He said at this point, the only thing that scares him is the impact its going to have on his partner, as he believes his death will ‘break her’.
He continued: “I’m at the point where I’ve got something you just can’t fix.”
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Reflecting on watching his own father die in hospice care. Hollingshed said he didn’t want that for himself.
He said: “Seeing him wither away... I don’t want to see myself like that and I don’t want other people to see me like that, especially people who care about.
“I’ve been given the control to say, ‘Alright, it’s time’.”
Since being diagnosed with cancer, Hollingshed has been documenting his journey on social media.
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He has been live-streaming and sharing emotional updates to his viewers with hopes that he can inspire bravery of someone going through cancer themselves.
“I’ve had messages where it’s helped a couple of people and if I could help just one, that makes it worth it,” he said. “It keeps me going, not for much longer, but it keeps me going.
“If I’m dying, then why not make a positive better than a negative?”
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A close friend, Kellie Lott, has also started a fundraiser to help the Australian man ‘pass with dignity.’
The GoFundme statement reads: “He is trying his hardest to pass with dignity and I’m sure we all agree that if he had less to worry about for him and his partner it will make his last days much more peaceful.
“Please try to donate anything as every dollar helps especially at this time.”
People can only access voluntary assisted dying in NSW if they meet all the eligibility criteria and follow the process outlined in the law, the NSW Government states.
If you or someone you know is struggling or in a mental health crisis, help is available through Mental Health America. Call or text 988 or chat 988lifeline.org. You can also reach Crisis Text Line by texting MHA to 741741
Topics: Australia, World News, Mental Health
Gerrard Kaonga