‘A brave woman facing her own mortality’: Your messages to Kay Henderson

Kay Henderson decided to die today. And it was on her terms. Our readers were touched by Kay’s story, and shared their tributes. READ THEM HERE.

Today was Kay Henderson’s final day on earth.

The 47-year-old Coffs Harbour woman’s journey to a dignified ending with voluntary assisted death touched our readers’ hearts.

As Kay made her preparations, she spoke to the Telegraph’s Investigations Editor, Cydonee Mardon, to explain why she was ready to die.

She spent her last moments having her hair braided and drinking tea with her family while listening to Cold Chisel.

After publishing the initial story we were inundated with your good wishes and tributes for Kay and have shared some of these below.

You can also leave your comment at the bottom of this story

Terminally ill woman Kay Henderson pictured at home in Coffs Harbour. Picture: Sam Ruttyn

Annette: I thought of you yesterday, hope you got to have your time in the ocean. Not often a news article stays with you for days. A life too short but full of grace.

Anonymous: How human is this? I can’t stop crying. A brave woman facing her own mortality.

Hymie: Much braver than I would ever be. (Hymie)

Bryan: A very brave woman. Lots of love to you

Robbie: So pleased you were able to access NSW laws. I sincerely hope the Queensland review at least considers the dementia issue so that others can determine their future before the opportunity is taken from them.

Greg: Well done to a brave lady who has suffered enough. Taking control of her own destiny and not hampered by bureaucrats and others who have no idea of what she has gone through for years.

Keven: So brave, Godspeed young lady.

Deborah: Your body, your choice. As it should be. Blessing to you.

Kelly: This story got me in the feels. I cannot imagine having to endure a life full of pain as mentioned in this article. I’m smiling though as I wipe away a tear; as it’s given her a choice in her own parting. May the angels surround you and comfort you. May God accept you with open arms.

Brooke: I’m glad Kay can make this decision to die with dignity and release herself from her pain.

Peter: Godspeed to you Kay and a huge thank you to the brave souls finally making a painless and dignified end possible for those who need it.

Catherine: I write this as tears run down my face. What an amazing young woman. I am so glad she has the choice to die, not everyone does and with all the suffering she has been through I am glad she can die on her terms. May God be with you Kay.

Kelly: Safe travels darling.

Daniel: Incredible strength and courage. Those of us able bodied maybe complain a little less and be thankful for what we do have.

MissyMoo: What a top notch lady. I laughed and cried at the same time. The sadness I felt was not that Kay has decided to depart this world, it’s the fact she has been in pain for so long. Finally Kay will be in peace.

Vince: A brave and caring woman – what a loss to the world. All the best to her.

Rosie: Thank you for sharing your journey and encouraging others to talk about assisted dying. Bless you; may the road rise to meet you.

Donna: Courageous, loving and beautiful soul!

Deborah: You are so brave to do this and have the opportunity in NSW now. May your journey be peaceful. My mother used this process in December and a very peaceful journey it was for her. You will go to a life with joy, [no] more pain and suffering which will be a blessing for you. Hold those tight for the next five days and enjoy all those moments until you begin your journey. You are so courageous in making what must be the hardest decision. Thank you for talking about it and as the VAD team at Gosford hospital said to us, let’s hope in the near future this is spoken about freely and that is what you are doing. Thank you. Safe journey x

Jane Lean: Admiration for a very courageous lady. This is a personal decision and one to be respected.

Stevenson Scott: God Bless YOU and your family....safely Home soon....Thank you for sharing your brave journey!

Kirsty Meek: Sending you and your family love and strength at knowing you will finally get the peace you are looking for and deserve.

Tracy Moir: You did it your way. Respect and love to you and your family.

Kat Emmelkamp: We should all be able to make this decision, if it’s needed.

Steve Hinds: Be at peace Kay, you are extremely courageous and a beautiful person. I hope the afterlife is kinder to you than what life has been. Strength to your dear Mum and your friends too.

Glenn Evans: Good for you. Enjoy the water and the sea. Take those great memories with you to the next life. Happy travels.

Gail Daryl: I don’t know her or her family but I shed a tear. Will light a candle for you. Go in peace sweet lady.

Michele: On her terms. Go with love and peace around you lovely lady.

Kerri Wescombe Weymouth: I think this is so good to be able to have that choice; it’s your life. I send much love and I hope that your love and peace are with you into your new life.

Sha Ka: Great. I think everyone should have this choice. Nobody should be forced to live in the circumstances they do not want to live in, terminally ill or not.

Loz Ellem-Thompson: Very strong minded making a decision like this… very brave it’s not goodbye, it’s see ya later.

Dia Stella: So beautiful...peace in dying as it should be…blessings sweet soul.

Joey Kingman: Kay is amazing. Her body, her choice! Go gently, sweetheart.

Originally published as ‘A brave woman facing her own mortality’: Your messages to Kay Henderson