Kay's VAD story about husband John Fraser: grateful for the availability of voluntary assisted dying

In Part 1, Kay Fraser shares her personal journey alongside her late husband, John Fraser, as he battled cancer and ultimately made the decision to pursue voluntary assisted dying. Kay reflects on the beginning of John’s cancer diagnosis and the subsequent hospital visits and major operation he underwent.

Listen to Part 1 of Kay’s Story

 

Despite the challenges, John maintained an accepting and lighthearted attitude, often joking and finding humour in difficult situations. Kay expresses her gratitude for the availability of voluntary assisted dying, as it provided John with a choice and spared him from prolonged suffering. She discusses the process they went through, including contacting their GP and navigating the necessary paperwork.

Additionally, Kay shares her thoughts on potential improvements to the system, such as reducing the amount of paperwork and streamlining the timeline for those in critical conditions. This episode delves into the profound impact of choice and compassion in end-of-life decisions and highlights the resilience and spirit of both John and Kay throughout their journey.


In Part 2, Kay Fraser shares her experiences and memories of her late husband John.

 

She describes him as a kind, funny, and caring person who was always there for her. They enjoyed activities together such as biking and walking, and they loved traveling. Kay fondly remembers John as a gentle giant who never lost his temper and was a joy to live with. They had a loving and harmonious marriage for 31 years. Kay also mentions how they met through work and how John had a unique fashion sense but didn’t care about his appearance. Overall, the episode is a heartfelt tribute to a wonderful partner and a celebration of their life together.