A woman who has been fighting for euthanasia rights in the UK since her heartbreaking cancer diagnosis has passed away.
Tracy Hickman was euthanised in New Zealand - where it has been legalised since 2019 - this week, days after sharing a defiant message to others in which she claimed that she is 'at peace' with her decision to end her life on her own terms.
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Last week, the 57-year-old British-New Zealand national told her fans in an emotional statement: "The closer it gets, the more peaceful I feel.
"But I’m so sorry for causing distress to my family and friends, although they understand. The alternative is to live for another couple of months or so but have an uncertain and painful death."
During her time in the spotlight, Tracy used her platform to fight for others in her position to be able to decide when the time is right for them to go.
She hoped that calling on politicians to reconsider their stance on assisted dying in the UK - where it is illegal - would assist other cancer sufferers in avoiding an 'uncertain and painful death'.
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In New Zealand, laws brought in under the End of Life Choice Act in 2019 permit competent adults to choose an assisted death, under the conditions that they have a terminal illness, are aged 18 or over and have six months to live.
In the days prior to her tragic passing, Tracy - who was diagnosed with breast cancer in March 2019 after a routine mammogram - told The Guardian: "Look at what New Zealand has done, and do it even better.
"There is a lot of focus on the right to life, but people should have the right to a peaceful, gentle death."
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Today, however, Tracy's partner Paul Qualtrough and her NZ podcasting pal Dom Harvey have confirmed the news of her death.
Sharing a snap of himself alongside Tracy, social media star Dom penned an emotional tribute: "Tracy Hickman passed away peacefully today. She was on a beach in the sunshine, surrounded by her loved ones. It was exactly what she wanted. It was an honour being able to share her story."
Among the hundreds of comments which were quickly written below the tear-jerking post was one composed by Tracy's partner Paul.
"Thanks for your handling of this story," he wrote.
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"It has been sensitive, and the family really appreciated how you brought it to people's attention in a way that allowed her to raise the awareness she wanted without sensationalising it nor seeking attention.
"Thank you so much for turning the simple legacy she sought for her young great nieces and others into something really special."
If you’ve been affected by any of these issues and want to speak to someone in confidence, contact Macmillan’s Cancer Support Line on 0808 808 00 00, 8am–8pm seven days a week.
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If you have experienced a bereavement and would like to speak with someone in confidence, contact Cruse Bereavement Care via their national helpline on 0808 808 1677.
Rhianna Benson