'Right to die case' to be heard at the Supreme Court

Jane Nicklinson, widow of Tony Nicklinson who died last year after enduring many years of locked-in syndrome and fighting for the right to end his own life, said she was feeling hopeful ahead of today's Supreme Court hearing.

Along with Paul Lamb, a paralysed man from Leeds, Mrs Nicklinson want the court to rule that disabled people should have the right to be helped to die with dignity.

Nine Supreme Court justices today began analysisng the issue at a hearing in London due to last four days. Mrs Nicklinson spoke to ITV News outside the court this morning.

More: Right to die hearing begins at Supreme Court

Campaigners say a defeat at the Court of Appeal in July has not put them off taking their fight to the Supreme Court today.

Paul Lamb, from Leeds, is immobile except for limited movement in his right hand and has been in significant pain since his accident in 1990.

Along with another accident victim and the widow of campaigner Tony Nicklinson, he will appear at the court in front of nine judges.

Appeal judges dismissed the Nicklinson and Lamb challenges over the legal ban on voluntary euthanasia.

After the July ruling, Mrs Nicklinson said: "We will carry on with the case for as long as we can so that others who find themselves in a position similar to Tony don't have to suffer as he did. Nobody deserves such cruelty.''

Read: 'Right to die' challenges rejected

Tony Nicklinson's widow has admitted continuing to fight for the right to die the in courts has taken a strain, but added there was "no question" she would continue because she felt "that strongly" about it.

Jane Nicklinson and Paul Lamb, who is severely disabled, want the right to die with the help of a doctor and without the fear of prosecution. Their case will be heard at the highest court in the UK later today.

Jane said she was "hopeful" there would be an outcome in her favour and said it was "quite significant" the case was going to be heard by nine judges, opposed to the usual five.

A right to die case brought by a severely disabled man and the widow of a stroke victim suffering from locked in syndrome will be heard by the highest court in the UK later today.

Jane Nicklinson has continued her late husband's Tony fight for the right to die with help from a doctor, after he passed away after a bout of pneumonia last year.

Paul Lamb joined Jane in the hopes of having a doctor help him end his life without fear of prosecution earlier this year.

The divorced father-of-two was left severely paralysed after a car accident in 1990, has very limited used of his limbs and can only partially move his right hand.

Nine Supreme Court judges will hear the case, opposed to the usual five. Judgement is not expected to be passed until next year.

Read more: Right-to-die challenges rejected