Death of mercy-killing campaigner's wife

Former Hucknall man Bill Starr hit the headlines in January when the Dispatch exclusively revealed his plan to kill his wife, Maureen, to end her plight.

He said he intended to visit the Lowmoor Home in Kirkby-in-Ashfield, where his wife was staying, with the sole intention of "releasing her spirit."

Since then, Bill (76) has waged a one-man campaign against the system and the government in a bid to bring about a change in the law to allow euthanasia.

But in the early hours of Tuesday morning, Maureen (64) died – and Bill declared it "a day of joy because she has passed away to the higher side of life".

He added: "She is now free from the suffering. I would like to thank everyone in the Dispatch district for their kind wishes and thoughts for Maureen. She is no longer in pain.

"I have many happy memories of Maureen and lots of amusing tales. We had a lot of happy times together and worked very well as a team."

However ex-miner Bill, who was born in Bulwell and used to live on Curtis Street in Hucknall, remains determined to carry on his campaign, which he has already taken to the British Medical Association and the Secretary of State for Health.

"Many people can forgive and forget but I can do neither," he said.

"Mauren's death is marred for me only by the black hatred I feel for the system that allowed her suffering to go on.

"There is no way I am prepared to allow her suffering to be in vain for the benefit of political zealots, both at national and local level.

"I can assure people I will do everything possible within my power to destroy not only the system but also the government who are responsible.

"I will take my hatred of this system with me to the spirit world."

Bill had planned to mark the anniversary of the start of his euthanasia campaign with a hunger strike but this has now been cancelled.

Maureen's funeral is yet to be arranged.