London, Nov 29, : Ray Illingworth, former England captain, has revealed that he is currently being treated for oesophageal carcinoma.The 89-year old, who led England to victory in the Test series in Australia in 1970-71 lost his wife last year.He is now receiving radiotherapy for cancer.Illingworth wants to change the law regarding legalized assisted dying. Illingworth stated that he believed people who are terminally ill should have the right to choose when to end their lives after caring for his mother.He said that he was convinced by her care and the fact that she had to be nursed in her final years that terminally ill patients should be able to choose when they want to end their lives.
“I don’t want to go through the last 12 months with my wife.She was very unhappy going from one hospital to another and was constantly in pain.I believe in assisted death.Illingworth said that my wife was miserable and that assisted dying is something I believe in.
“But we don’t have assisted dying in England yet so you don’t have the option.They are still discussing it, but I believe it will eventually be made.
Many doctors are against it but if they had to see my wife’s last 12 months, they might reconsider their mind,” he said.
Illingworth also spoke out about his health, saying that they are trying to eliminate the last bit of the tumour with double doses.
Telegraph: Illworth said that he will monitor the results of the next two doses, and keep his fingers crossed for some luck.
Between 1958 and 1973, Illingworth played 61 Tests in England.
He took 122 wickets and scored 1,836 runs.He captained England for 31 Tests.
He won 12, lost five and drew 14.He played domestically for both his native Yorkshire and Leicestershire.
inj/bsk #Illingworth #England #cancer #diagnosis
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