I was 28 when my husband David left for Afghanistan but he told me he had already thought of what he would do for my 30th birthday as it was such a milestone for someone with my health difficulties to get to. After his death I refused to acknowledge my birthday in any way, what was there to celebrate but as im nearing 40 I can sense his disapproval so I decided this year I had to do something for him. Ive always wanted to climb mount Kilimanjaro but apparently you have to be able to walk and breathe to do that, next I thought about walking the sahara desert, same thing applies so I thought long and hard and came up with a head shave! So on the 6th April thats what I will be doing.

Ive decided to raise money to help the work Dignity in Dying do, to challenge the legal system and highlight the great shame our country put our dying friends through.

I recently became a member of Dignitas, I have done this for peace of mind but feel angry at having to do so, I want to die in my country, with my friends around me, when I want. If I can contribute in any small way to make that happen thats the best birthday gift I can ask for xx