My thanks are long overdue to the people at the Oxford Motor Neurone Disease Care and Research Centre. The patients who generously took the time to tell me about their experiences with such openness. Professor Kevin Talbot whose expertise and insight was invaluable. And the truly wonderful Rachael Marsden whose compassion and generosity of spirit would surely qualify her for honours if only the world were just. Similarly, I owe an un-payable debt to the people who have shared with me their deeply private experiences of Dignitas, even when my questions were painful; in particular, Lesley, for her dignity and her profound humanity.
In terms of the writing, my thanks to my agent Bill. And to my editors: Kris for his assiduousness and advocacy and Paul for his ticks and Cleaver Square wisdom. Likewise to Lucie and Nicholas and all the brilliant folk at Picador. I am grateful to Rachael and Olivia. And for their thoughts on the early pages – to Leo and Kate. I’m indebted to Mark, my boon companion in the labyrinth. Thanks also to Richard for the various hiding places and for a quarter of a century of enthusiasm and friendship. Thanks and solidarity to those of my long-suffering siblings who read, listen, revolt – Hec, Goose, Hugs, Bebs, Widge and Chubb. My heartfelt gratitude to Elisa, who probably helped more than anyone else in making this book a reality. And, of course, thanks unending to Emma who is the sine qua non of my every day.
Finally, in remembrance of MH, philosopher-poet and on-the-road friend. I still hear your poem, Matt, just the way you read it – that day in Saint-Siffret.