THE parents of a Worcester rugby player who travelled to Switzerland to commit suicide after being paralysed in training have just released this statement.

As reported exclusively in the Worcester News today, Dan James, 23, went to the country - where assisted suicide is tolerated, last month.

The statement reads:

Julie and Mark James said: "His death was an extremely sad loss for his family, friends and all those that care for him but no doubt a welcome relief from the 'prison' he felt his body had become and the day-to-day fear and loathing of his living existence, as a result of which he took his own life.

"This is the last way that the family wanted Dan's life to end but he was, as those who know him are aware, an intelligent, strong-willed and some say determined young man.

"The family suffered considerably over the last few months and do wish to be left in peace to allow them to grieve appropriately."

Mr James's parents said he had never come to terms with his much-documented extreme physical incapacity.

They added: "Over the last six months he constantly expressed his wish to die and was determined to achieve this in some way."

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