A message from the family of James Valentine
James was determined not to be silent about voluntary assisted dying. He wanted everyone to know about his choice. That's why we are asking you to support Go Gentle this end of financial year.
Our dad and husband James Valentine believed in making a difference.
When his oesophageal cancer returned worse than ever, he made the decision to use voluntary assisted dying (VAD).
As a broadcaster of more than 20 years, he insisted that his choice be made public so that he could lend his voice to why this is such a necessary thing for so many people.
It’s also why James supported the work of Go Gentle Australia and why we, his family, are asking for your help today.
Please will you make a tax-deductible gift this end of financial year so Go Gentle can continue to get the word out about the VAD choice?
| YES, I'LL GIVE NOW |
As a family, we wholeheartedly supported James’ decision to “go out on his own terms”. His choice meant he was in control and could focus his time and attention on the people he loved.
He threw a fabulous living wake while he was well enough to enjoy it and died peacefully at home with us by his side. He was calm, dignified as always and somehow still able to make us laugh.
It was such a relief and so precious. We were grateful that when the time came, when the suffering was increasing, when James said "I'm ready", we could call upon the VAD team and say goodbye in a calm and gentle way.
Andrew Denton, Go Gentle’s founding director, told ABC Radio that, in choosing to make his decision public, James did something profoundly generous. He helped dismantle the silence that still surrounds VAD in Australia.
“To talk openly about voluntary assisted dying, it takes a bit more of the stigma away," Andrew said.
That’s why we are asking you to get behind Go Gentle this tax time to support their important work.
Despite VAD being legal almost everywhere in Australia, stigma and institutional resistance remain powerful barriers.
Families are still afraid to raise VAD with doctors. Some hospitals and aged-care facilities remain openly hostile. And a Commonwealth ban on using telehealth for VAD reinforces the idea that these conversations need special restrictions.
Go Gentle sees the consequences of this silence every day:
The people who apply for VAD when it’s too late, because their doctors never told them about this choice.
The patients who must be smuggled out of faith-based facilities for VAD assessments, exacerbating their distress and suffering.
The sick and elderly in rural and regional areas who undertake long car trips, in pain, to be assessed for VAD because telehealth is banned.
If you believe in making a difference, as James did, please consider donating.
Thank you for the incredible affection you have shown James and for your commitment to making sure every eligible Australian can access VAD without fear or judgement.
It's what James wanted – and he would be proud.
Joanne, Ruby and Roy
P.S. Go Gentle receives no government funding and relies solely on gifts from the public. Please make a secure, online tax-deductible donation here
