'I Took Control Of The Beast': Man's Poignant Facebook Post Before Death Via Voluntary Assisted Dying

A 50-year-old man has ended his life with the aid of a voluntary assisted dying law after battling a terminal motor neuron disease. Before passing away, he posted a heartfelt message about how "grateful he was for his wonderful life."

Gregory Ashmore of Melbourne used Victoria's euthanasia laws to assist in his death after suffering from ALS/MND, a disease that impacts the nerves and the brain. There is no cure, reported News.com.

His Facebook post read: "Tonight (Monday, 24 January, 2022) I took control over the beast that is ALS/MND. This hideous and cruel disease has intruded our lives for the past 18 months and with the support of my husband and children. I have ended my suffering and took the option of voluntary assisted dying. My family were [sic.] with me and holding my hands as I relaxed and drifted away. I am grateful for what was a wonderful life."

The Australian state of Victoria became the first territory to enact euthanasia laws on Nov. 29, 2017. Voluntary assisted dying is only available to Victorians who are over the age of 18 who have lived in Victoria for at least 12 months. According to reports, 488 people in Victoria used the system to end their lives between June 19, 2019, and June 30, 2020.

Ashmore's funeral will be held Friday and his family has set up a fundraising page at Fight MND seeking a public donation. "Our family has been rocked by this beast that is MND and we want to do what we can so that no other family has to suffer our same loss. We are trying to fundraise as much as we can in lieu of flowers or mementos in honor of Greg Ashmore’s wonderful life. Please help us by making a donation through our page," their post read.

Ashmore's death has rocked people and tributes are flowing to the family. Ashmore's husband Shannon Barry wrote on Facebook: "I’m sorry I can’t be with you all but my heart is broken into a million pieces at the passing of my husband @greg.ashmore. I will be back, when my heart heals x until then, take good care."