18/07/2014 BBC Wales Today

End of life care and changing the law.

Tonight, passionate campaigners from opposite sides of the debate.

The real work of assisting someone to die calls for good care, not a

quick fix of offering the medical equivalent of a loaded gun.

I want to be able to determine when I die if I decide that my life is no

longer worth living. Private Cheryl James

from Denbighshire died from a Hope for people losing their sight -

Phyllis Price the first in the world to undergo pioneering

eye surgery inspired by the Glamorgan can take

a big step towards the quarter finals of the T20 Blast

with a win over Essex tonight. And as we build up to

the Commonwealth Games - Swansea long-distance runner Elinor

Kirk and the American connections Should doctors have

the right to help you to die? It's a question the House of Lords

is still debating tonight. If the assisted dying bill

eventually becomes law, it would And there's no shortage

of strong views here. In this special report, our health

correspondent Owain Clarke considers Should doctors be allowed

to help us to die? A question they have been grappling

with for more than eight hours. The prospect

of the bill is to provide to those who wish it the possibility of a

dignified death in their own homes There is a myth our lives are

so tragic that we This week I was told you must have

wanted to kill yourself a few times. And far beyond the corridors of

power, there are similar emotions. I have come to the border to meet

one of the bill's passionate The former chief inspector

of schools in England who has lived I first realised something was wrong

when I was coming My legs turned to jelly as I

approached the road. In the end in 2006 I went to

the doctor and I was diagnosed with 50% of people who are diagnosed

with MND die within 14 months so 2014, I'm still

alive, I didn't expect to be. Sir Chris was known

for being outspoken but now he doesn't know for how much

longer he will be able to speak. That is why on this he is so

determined to make his voice heard. The only option that I could

undertake that wouldn't implicate my wife or

my children or friends would be to starve or dehydrate myself to

death. We ought to be giving people

the option in my circumstances not of a prolonged

period of suffering because they cannot take any more but

the opportunity to drink medication He argues

the proposals contain enough safeguards to protect vulnerable

and senior judges are urging Parliament to make up its mind

and he is glad some high-profile former Church leaders have changed

theirs. One of the most eminent doctors

in Wales and the world has remained This isn't about a right to die,

we will all die. It is a right to have somebody assist your suicide.

If you say actually we are going to book your appointment for

your assisted suicide three o'clock Friday what is the point of trying

to improve quality of life? It becomes too easy to see this

as a way of clearing beds and too easy to actually stop trying

to improve quality of life. The bill in front of the House

of Lords, if passed, would apply Beyond the question

of should doctors be allowed to help terminally ill patients to die

there are specific Welsh government priorities and policies about end

of life care and it is an issue With more of us living longer,

critics claim end of life care has been patchy but with access to 24/7

services, it is no longer true. Wales is ahead of England

in its delivery There is more to do, of course we

need to drive up care everywhere but we know that at least we are walking

the road in the right direction. Whatever the end result, the debate

on assisted dying today has at least A question many of us have been

reluctant to even consider. What do we want to happen to us

at the very end? If I go on as I am, then I am not

contemplating killing myself. While the sun shines, which it

always does in Wales, I shall be continuing to enjoy life to the

maximum. We're expecting a vote in

the House of Lords in the next few hours. We'll have more

in our later bulletin. A fresh inquest has been ordered

into the death of 18-year-old soldier Cheryl James

from Llangollen, who died from a gunshot wound at Deepcut barracks

in Surrey almost 20 years ago. High Court judges said that the

original investigation had flaws. Private James was one

of four soldiers who died at Deepcut over a seven year period

amid claims of bullying. A cheerful 18-year-old who enjoyed

life in the army Cheryl James died a few months

after this parade was filmed. She was found with

a bullet wound to the head after being posted on guard duty at

Deepcut barracks in November 1995. Judges have quashed the open verdict

of the inquest. They say the original enquiry was limited and

flawed and new facts make a fresh inquest desirable in the interests

of justice. The bullet which killed her was not examined and was lost as

were all other bullets from the magazine. There was no forensic

examination of the gun. The family believe the authorities failed to

investigate the death. A crucial step for the family, not a cause for

celebration though. Closure has to be redefined as being able to look

at yourself in the mirror and say I have done all I could. I have not

been able to do that stronger than I was in 1995 and I certainly am far

more cynical and I will not be hoodwinked into believing what I am

told now. We will look carefully at every stage of the process. This has

been a long and painful process. She was the second of four young

soldiers to die at Deep Cut. All the families insist they

would not have killed themselves. Cheryl?s death was in 1995 - the

original inquest was held a month In June 2002 all four families

called for a public inquiry. Surrey Police published

a fifth report into the deaths That was reviewed by the Devon

and Cornwall force. And in March 2006 Nicholas Blake QC

published his review Many people would have given up

being faced with the obstacles and the sheer refusal to co-operate with

them from the authorities. They met it with persistence and dignity and

that has borne fruit today. Des James fight

for the truth about what happened Many questions still remain

unanswered but a new inquest will at least provide a public forum in

which those questions can be asked. A jury has started considering its

verdict in the case of a man accused Alfie Sullock suffered brain damage

in Nelson, The prosecution claim Michael Pearce

had beaten him with a shoe A grandmother who's had her eyesight

restored following pioneering surgery based on space technology is

calling for the procedure to be made Phyllis Price from Lampeter suffers

from a form of macular de-generation, which is the biggest

cause of sight loss in the UK. But there are doubts over the

treatment's long-term effectiveness. Back behind the counter,

Phyllis Price is once again able to Just a few weeks ago she wasn't able

to see people's faces but that's all changed thanks to

pioneering eye surgery. It has improved my way of life

considerably. I can read and so a bit and recognise people which, to

life has been restored again.

Phyllis was the first person in the world to undergo the procedure

Inspired by the Hubble Space Telescope it involves

placing two mini telescopic lenses in the patient's eyes.

It is critically important. We know this treat 10% of people with

macular degeneration. That is one of the biggest reasons for sight loss

for older people. Sight loss is going to double in the future and

it's important we have access to lots of treatment.

The London Eye Hospital has described the treatment has

a huge leap forward but others suggest the procedure may

It is useful for those in the early stages of degeneration, it may help

them do more. We have to bear in mind a small number of people and

macular degeneration is an ongoing condition. Whilst it might work in

the beginning, it might not work for that long.

But back in Lampeter, Phyllis Price says the surgery has turned her life

around and having paid ?12,000 for the treatment she now wants

the procedure to be offered on the NHS so other sufferers may be

Tributes have been paid to a former Head Warden of

Snowdonia National Park, who died yesterday after falling while

John Ellis Roberts, from Betws Y Coed,

was described as a highly respected mountaineer - and a founder member

John was a great friend, personal friend but also one who had

contributed so greatly over umpteen years to the work of the mountain

rescue team. The accident took place and he was airlifted quickly and

expertly by the 22 Squadron. The saving grace is none of the team had

to attend to his fall. The mental health charity Hafal says

an education project in Ebbw Vale which is researching the history

of a former asylum, should be The group includes students with

personal experience of mental health problems which is allowing them to

conduct more thorough research into the former institution

at Pen-Y-Fal near Abergavenny. In the beginning I was unable to

communicate with anybody. All I could do was sit in the corner and

observe what was going on. I did not see a future. Two years ago he

joined a research group here in the archives in Ebbw Vale. It has made a

remarkable difference to his mental help. I have had employment at the

university, I have spoken at conference, and I have had something

published in a book. Poring over records 100 years old, researching

the history of the former asylum near Abergavenny. Rules and

regulations. Studying how people were treated, how they felt about

being there, all through the lens of their own personal mental health

issues. Very different from when some lost control as patients in the

past. The door shut behind you and you became a nonperson. That follows

you, suddenly here we are in the archives and we are saying this is

what happened. It is amazing. We work with people who would never

want to go into education so we use poems, to use education as a leader

on to other opportunities. Education employment, volunteering. A mental

health charity is calling for this work to be done across the country.

I can see value in people who experienced mental illness and their

families learning more about mental health services in the past because

it can be instructive about improvements and things that have

been lost. The group are now looking for continued funding so others can

use records of the past to build a brighter future. I joined the group

when they saw the building they have been studying for the first time.

You look at it now, it is a beautiful set of flats but on the

right day it would look very ominous. This group have learnt a

huge amount about the history of this building and a topic is close

to their hearts. They have worked as a group to help individuals overcome

their own personal obstacles and that is perhaps what makes it so

different from other similar groups across Wales.

This was last night over Swansea and this is what's coming our way -

we'll have a full weekend weather forecast for you.

It is a murder which has remained unsolved for almost 30 years.

His family believe Daniel Morgan was on the verge of exposing

police corruption when he was brutally attacked with an axe.

Now one of the policemen tasked with re-investigating the case has said -

he believes - there was a conspiracy to de-rail his investigation.

Daniel Morgan from Hay on Wye was 37, working as a private detective

in London when he was murdered. That was in 1987. The crime was unsolved

and in 2002 David Cook, Chief Superintendent was bought in to

reinvestigate. We acknowledge there were difficulties in the early

stages, I am here to reinvestigate. Within days of this appeal being

broadcast, a top murder squad detectives found himself under

surveillance. When the police stopped one of the News of the World

Vance, the photographer gave this explanation. I was supposed to be

having an affair with a woman on crime match -- Crimewatch. I was

living with her, married to her. It was this man, a former news editor

at the News of the World who tasked the papers phone hacker Glenn

Mulcaire with compiling an illicit dossier on David Cook and his wife,

Jackie. Glenn Mulcaire has pleaded guilty to phone hacking hundreds of

celebrities. David Cook believes the surveillance on him was for a more

sinister purpose. They were trying to undermine me, and mind

investigation into the murder of Daniel Morgan. It is as simple as

that. As for the links between Craig and those being investigated for

murdering Daniel Morgan, this is a copy of the certificate proving

miscue set up a business and the same roof as the suspects. Two

Private investigators with a history of feeding stories to the News of

the World. Daniel?s brother says the revelations do not surprise him. I

knew from the word go this thing stank to high heaven. And nothing

the police did or could say to me would persuade me that something

wasn't going very badly wrong. It is never just been about the murder of

my brother, it is more than that. There are people with questions to

answer which they do not want to answer. One of the colleagues has

stated the story was a misguided tip-off that David Cook remains

adamant this was a tabloid conspiracy to derail his

investigation. For 30 years now, Daniel Morgan?s family have been

fighting for justice and they continue to seek answers.

Actress Ruth Jones has been awarded an MBE in a ceremony at

Jones, who played Nessa, in Gavin and Stacey was awarded her

New Year Honour for services to entertainment.

A perfect evening for a game of cricket - Claire's at the

Good evening - Glamorgan can take a big step towards

the quarter finals of the T20 Blast with victory here tonight.

Group leaders Essex are the visitors.

Essex won the toss and put Glamorgan into bat. Things are going well so

far. Glamorgan Chief Executive Hugh

Morris joins me now. Lovely to see you. This is why you

came back to Glamorgan, evenings like this? Absolutely. A really good

crowd in. A good start. It is a stern start for Glamorgan. Essex

made it to the knockout stages but great to see Graham Wagg back? Yes,

we have had problems with injuries. Graham is back tonight. He is back

in the team. Things going well so far. And available on Sunday, James

Harris, the bowler, back on loan. Perfect timing. Absolutely. James is

a fantastic performer. His record with Glamorgan has been terrific.

The hasn't been playing much, we can offer him championship cricket. What

would it mean to Glamorgan to progress to the quarterfinals? How

important is it? It is really important. We have a good crowd into

night. It is one of the premier domestic competitions in cricket in

England and Wales. If we get to the quarterfinals, a big boost. RU

hopeful? Certainly. Essex have been playing well but we have a good side

and are confident. Enjoy the sunshine! Thank you. 43

for no loss. I will keep you up-to-date. In golf, both Welshmen

have missed the cut at Royal liver and at the open. Reese Enoch had a

mixed round finishing on 76. He ended up on five over and Jamie

Donaldson ended level par with seven over.

Just five days now until the start of the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow

where a big team from Wales is hoping to make a real impression.

Most of the athletes have been getting

But 25 year long-distance runner Elinor Kirk has done things

differently and a sports scholarship in America.

The Commonwealth Games is a great opportunity to make

an impression, for people who were not household names to write

Elinor Kirk hopes to introduce herself in style

in Glasgow having taken an unusual journey to team Wales selection.

She spent the last two years in the USA on a sports scholarship.

Coaches from Alabama spotted her potential

She has paid back their faith finishing second

I never thought I was as good as I could be.

They treat you like elite athletes with great facilities.

With her Glasgow qualification times achieved, Elinor has been

She has been clocking up 60 miles a week ready to compete.

It is the first time she has represented

Wales at a major event and she had never met the Welsh coach.

I never thought I would be in this position.

I think it is something I always wanted to have thought happen.

If anything has taken the edge of the excitement, news her old

She ran with the current world triathlon champion for Swansea

Back in the day, we were on the same team

It would be good to be on the same team again.

Hopefully she will be fit in no time.

Ellie is confident she can go well and on the evidence of Tuesday where

she won the 5000 metres with room to spare, she is running into

And from Monday we'll be reporting from Glasgow ahead

We'll be live on the banks of the River Clyde bringing you

Wales are taking their biggest ever team to Scotland

and they've been set a target of winning 27 medals across 17 sports.

Our team will be following them all the way.

The score here, Glamorgan 46 for no loss after a six point for over. It

could be a good night this evening as they aim to make it to the

quarterfinals of the T 20 blast competition. Updates at 10:25pm. Do

not forget radio Wales from 7pm. It is a lovely evening here. Will it

last? Tricky conditions for the next 24 hours, there is an amber warning

in place which has been issued by The Met Office for Powys and the

south-east. Be prepared for localised flooding. Elsewhere, a

yellow warning so be aware they could be some problems. Some extreme

weather in the forecast, heat and humidity, the risk of vicious storms

and the risk of localised flooding. It is very quiet at the moment, some

sunshine, more cloud across Pembroke. Overnight, showers making

their way up from France and intense downpours, it is thundery mixed with

hail. Very uncomfortable for sleeping, temperatures between 15

and 18. The wind is light and variable. This low pressure is

responsible for stormy weather tomorrow, it pushes away and things

settled down by Sunday. First thing to write, heavy thundery showers

making their way northwards, a brief break, perhaps sunshine and by the

afternoon more showers triggered by the heat, they could be heavy and

thundery, especially away from the coast. The warning is in place from

midnight tonight until midnight tomorrow night. 18 and 22 Celsius.

Tomorrow night, the showers will clear, a quiet night, we should

sleep better. It is still rather muddy in nearly hours of Sunday

morning, temperatures in double figures for most of us between 14

and 16 with mist and fog forming in the early hours. Sunday, a calmer

day, some showers but it will be dry, some sunshine, variable cloud,

temperatures more comfortable to deal with. Between 19 and 21

Celsius. Today, it was 27 Celsius. A 6 degrees drop by Sunday. The start

of next week, things will settle down. Lastly, the pictures, a

beautiful scene from the storms last night. We would love to see more.

Back to you. The headlines: President Obama says the Malaysian

aircraft was shot down by a surfaced and missile fired in eastern Ukraine

from an area controlled by Russian backed separatists. 298 people died

in the flight from Amsterdam to Kuala Lumpur. It crashed yesterday.

There has to be a credible international investigation. The UN

Security Council and we will hold all its members including Russia to

their word. We will facilitate the investigation. We will have an

update at 8pm and again after the BBC News At ten. Have a great

weekend. Thank you for watching. Good evening.