Dubai: It isn't the best of circumstances to remember Tony Nicklinson, former rugby player and Sharjah resident. But there's an unmistakable sense of nostalgia in the community as the 57-year-old hit international headlines this week after appealing to Britain's High Court to let him die.
A former senior executive with a construction company in the UAE, Nicklinson, 57, suffered a stroke in 2005. Ever since, he has been afflicted with locked-in syndrome, a condition where his entire body is paralysed except for his mind. He lives with his wife Jane and their two daughters in his native Wiltshire, England. But he is completely dependent and needs constant care.
He communicates with an eye-blink computer and has been widely quoted by the British press as saying his life is "dull, miserable, demeaning, undignified and intolerable".
A prisoner in his own body, Nicklinson approached the UK High Court because without help, he cannot administer a lethal medication to end his life. But under British law, anyone who helps him die could be charged with murder, even if it is done with his consent. The murder charge carries a life sentence.
A Ministry of Justice lawyer, however told the court on Tuesday that only Parliament can decide on the request. The case has been adjourned till February 8.
Fond memories
"What a tragic story," Andrew Cole, Chairman of the Arabian Gulf Rugby Football Union, told XPRESS. "It must have taken a lot of soul-searching for the family to come to the decision."
An active rugby player, Nicklinson was member of the union and chaired the Sharjah Wanderers' Sports Club. "He was widely respected and did a lot for rugby here," said Cole.
Ian Hussey, Chairman of the Sharjah Wanderers' Sports Club, agrees. "He was such an active man. He chaired the club between 2001-2006 and it was under his leadership that the pitches were grassed. He is always remembered for that."
He said Nicklinson had suffered the stroke on a business visit to Athens in Greece. He was in hospital for three months and although he survived, the damage proved heavy.
"I can understand his frustration now," he said, adding that his wife was still in touch with Nicklinson's wife Jane.
A trained nurse, Jane reportedly met Nicklinson on a "blind date" in Dubai.
David Skidmore, former chairman of the Arabian Gulf Rugby Football Union, said, "I have fond memories of an energetic and enthusiastic rugby fanatic who spent most of his time to develop the sport. He was instrumental in paving the way for Sharjah to host the Under-19 Rugby World Championship in 2006."
"Nicklinson was extremely hospitable and always smiling. It is very sad but I know from my heart that this is something he wants," said Skidmore, referring to Nicklinson's ongoing fight to end his life.
