Supporters of Darwin man John Baylis have started a petition calling for the legalisation of voluntary euthanasia

SUPPORTERS of motor neuron disease sufferer John Baylis have started a petition calling for the legalisation of voluntary euthanasia.

John Baylis with nephew Harley Webb, says he would like to euthanize himself and die with dignity.

SUPPORTERS of motor neuron disease sufferer John Baylis have started a petition calling for the legalisation of voluntary euthanasia.

The petition reads: “We the undersigned believe no one should have to suffer unbearably at the end of their life; everyone should have the right to die with dignity and without suffering ongoing debilitating pain. We call on the elected members of both the Federal and NT Parliaments to enact legislation to legalise medically assisted dying.”

The Howard Springs resident, 83, previously told the NT News that going into palliative care would be like being “buried alive” – unable to speak, move or even swallow but with a healthy mind untouched by the cruel disease.

READ: JOHN BAYLIS WANTS TO DIE WITH DIGNITY

Last month, Mr Baylis felt a glimmer of “hope” when voluntary euthanasia campaigner Philip Nitschke announced on his Facebook page a plan to help MND sufferers access the end-of-life drug Nembutal.

At the time, Dr Nitschke told the NT News it was too soon to comment about how the plan would work.

Mr Baylis’s condition has worsened and he fears his only mode of communication – Facebook – may soon prove too hard for his ailing limbs.

On December 28, he wrote: “This is a real bad day for me … I have deteriorated more overnight, my poor family are doing it hard.

“Voluntary euthanasia, if established now, would have eased my suffering. Make sure it’s there when you or your loved ones might need it.”

The petition will be distributed throughout Darwin and Palmerston.