I don't want my mum to be scared of dying

Daughter's plea as peers debate right to die bill

- BY LUCY THORNTON and DAVE BURKE

CAMPAIGNERS pleaded for peers not to block the assisted dying bill as the Lords debated the issue yesterday.

Standing next to her terminally ill mother outside, Maya Nicholls-Blake, 18, said she does not want her mum Sophie Blake to die in pain.

Maya cuddled her, adding: “I can tell it scares you. I don't want you to be scared. I know you would have peace of mind if this bill gets passed”

Ex-sports presenter Sophie, 52, from Brighton, was diagnosed in May 2022 with stage four breast cancer, which has spread to her liver, lungs, lymph nodes and pelvic bone.

She said: “I'm very aware I could face a horrific death because I am allergic to opioids. As soon as I was diagnosed my immediate fear was not dying but how’

A record number of about 190 peers are expected to take part in the two-day debate yesterday and on September 19 - on the Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill.