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Scottish Lawyer chooses to end his own life in a clinic after long battle with multiple sclerosis

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2 years ago

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A Scottish solicitor has ended his own life in a Swiss clinic following a long illness.

Bruce De Wert, who was suffering from a severe form of multiple sclerosis, travelled to Basel last month.

The 69-year-old undertook the journey on his own having informed his family, including his wife and two adult daughters, of his intentions for an assisted death.

Daughter Nicole Wightman said he planned all the details himself including his memorial service.

The 44-year-old mother of two said: ‘I think he had been contemplating Switzerland for some time.

‘He was becoming more and more disabled, and he was deteriorating quite significantly. It was horrible to watch.

‘He did look quite frail where he had been strong and fit and did every sport under the sun.

‘Dad had been looking forward to his retirement and travelling round Europe and I think it came as a shock to realise he would not be able to do that. He had lost his independence and did not want to be a burden.’

 

Last week around 60 family, friends, and former colleagues attended a moving humanist memorial service at the Parkville Hotel in Blantyre, Lanarkshire.

 

Ms Wightman, who has two teenage daughters, said it came as a shock when her father had told the family of his plans.

He had not wanted to end up in care or his wife to be forced to look after him.

 

She added: ‘Dad decided that if he left it much longer he wouldn’t be able to go to Switzerland.

‘Like everything in Dad’s life, he went out and did his research and then told us the decision he had made and what his plan was.’

 

He took a taxi from his home in Bothwell, Lanarkshire, on February 21, then took a flight to Frankfurt and a connection to Basel.

Representatives of Pegasos, a voluntary assisted dying association, picked him up at the airport and he stayed at a hotel overnight before being taken to the clinic the next day.

Mr De Wert insisted that no family members should accompany him. However, he called his wife on the morning of his death to say his final goodbye.

 

The former solicitor was diagnosed three years ago with primary progressive multiple sclerosis after a series of dizzy turns and problems with his balance and eyes.

 

Ms Wightman said her father was insistent that he went on his own to Switzerland, despite his ill health, in case a relative was prosecuted or implicated in his death.

Family members spent time with him on February 20, the day before his departure to Switzerland, giving him a last hug.

Mr De Wert passed away on the morning of February 22 having phoned his wife beforehand. His wife was informed of his passing later that day.

 

He had left details of his life for the celebrant to read out at his memorial service and chose the music he wanted played. ‘

 

Everyone at the memorial remembered what a wonderful person he was and that he was larger than life,’ said Ms Wightman.

The family will be sent his ashes and death certificate from Switzerland.

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EVENTS

Otti Throughs a Lavish Banquet to Celebrate music Icon, Zigima King, Bright Chimezie

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56 minutes ago

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December 14, 2025

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It was a night of deserving honour to the Zigima that has shone for decades. 

A night of entertainment, joy, excitement and laughter. 

Thank you Governor Alex Otti for your intentional dedication to creating a new atmosphere of unity, peace and security, backed by visible transformation in all facets of governance. 

Thank you for ensuring that Abia didn’t just rise from the ashes, but that it commenced a progressive journey to greatness in all spheres. 

Thank you for choosing to inspire the younger generation by celebrating excellence and great accomplishments.

Happy birthday Bright Chimezie (Zigima)

Ferdinand Ekeoma 

December 14, 2025.

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EVENTS

Wike at 58: “You’re a Shinning Star in my Cabinet, Tinubu hails Wike.

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1 day ago

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December 13, 2025

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President Bola Tinubu congratulates Chief Nyesom Wike, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), on his birthday, December 13.

President Tinubu celebrates with the Minister and former governor of Rivers State, giving thanks to God Almighty for enriching him with a life defined by purpose, service, and courage.

The President describes Chief Wike as an audacious top performer who defies obstacles and delivers results.

President Tinubu acknowledges the ongoing transformation of the Federal Capital Territory through infrastructure expansion, highlighting the Minister’s recent intervention that broke the 14-year logjam in the construction of the Apo-Karshi road.

The President commends Chief Wike for his resilience, can-do attitude, and commitment to excellence in all assignments.

President Tinubu thanks the Minister for his consistent efforts in delivering results and wishes him a happy birthday and strength to further his good work in the FCT.

“Nyesom Wike has been one of the shining stars in the cabinet, an exceptional performer, developing infrastructure in the Federal capital as never seen before and proving that his moniker as ‘Mr Project’ is not limited to his home state of Rivers.

“I commend him for being one of the champions of our Renewed Hope Agenda, even though he belongs to another party and wish him well as he marks another year in his life journey”.

Bayo Onanuga
Special Adviser to the President
(Information and Strategy)
December 13, 2025

 

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EVENTS

Lady cries out after her brother was knocked down by keke on his way to early morning test at UniAbuja, faces possible leg amputation

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2 days ago

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December 13, 2025

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A visibly distressed lady has cried out over a tragic accident involving her younger brother, a student of the University of Abuja.

According to her account, the incident occurred in the early hours of the morning when students were struggling to get to school for a test allegedly scheduled around 5 a.m.

She explained that while her brother and a coursemate were trying to cross the road in front of the University of Abuja, a commercial tricycle (keke), reportedly driving against traffic, knocked them down.

As of the time she shared the video, her brother was said to be unconscious and already being prepared for surgery. Doctors, she stated, described his condition as critical, adding that there was a possibility his leg might have to be amputated.

The lady further claimed that although the tricycle rider was arrested, there were moves to release him, and that the school authorities had not reached out or offered any form of support since the incident.

She also revealed that the hospital initially rejected her brother due to the seriousness of his condition before eventually admitting him, while medical bills continued to pile up beyond what she could afford.

https://www.instagram.com/reel/DSLsOa4DNRv/?igsh=MWI5cjlsNnV0cW1hbA==

📹: TT/Teemhar1234

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