'I hope I did my Dad proud at Number 10'

WALKING through the security gates I've seen so many times on TV felt incredibly surreal.

- Matt Ryan

Two years after my father shared his story and launched the Express's assisted dying campaign, I was about to meet the Prime Minister and ask for his help to change the law.

Dad was terrified he would suffer a slow and agonising death from blood cancer- just as my sister Katie did, aged just 46, from sarcoma. His worst fears were realised last February when he spent his final days frightened, struggling to breathe and in agony.

It would have been so much kinder for him and his loved ones if he had been able to choose to die on his own terms.

Arriving at Downing Street, I was nervous. I wanted to represent Dad and Katie well.

We were taken on a tour of the building, which was a real privilege, and I caught a glimpse of Winston Churchill's chair. Then we entered another room - and there was the Prime Minister.

Rishi welcomed us and instantly made us feel at ease. I was impressed, he seemed much warmer in person than on television.