Ann Crocker described the response to her campaign as 'overwhelming'

Members of the UK's House of Lords are considering a bill introduced by the independent peer Lord Joffe.

He believes competent adults suffering from a terminal or a progressive physical illness should have the right to request medical help to die.

And Ann Crocker wants Guernsey's States to recognise euthanasia and has campaigned for changes to the law.

Everyone should be able to go with dignity, which my father didn't have Ann Crocker

Nearly 2,000 Guernsey residents have joined her postcard campaign and in June 2002 the States voted by a majority of 38 to 17 in favour of an "investigation" into the issue after a requete brought by Deputy Pat Mellor.

A working party was then suggested in September 2002.

Mrs Cocker said she was "very interested" to see the outcome of the debate taking place on Friday.

"I have actually read the bill and it has a number of very good safeguards in it so I'm hoping it gets a favourable reaction," she said.

Father's suffering

Mrs Crocker was prompted to start her campaign after watching her father's suffering before he died, he was in constant pain and eventually tried to commit suicide.

She sent postcards to every resident in the island, asking for their opinion, and described the response as "overwhelming."

If the States does legalise euthanasia it would only be available to the island's residents.