In the UK a man who suffers from a condition known as ‘locked-in syndrome’ has lost his High Court battle for the right to end his life.

Tony Nicklinson was left paralysed from the neck down by a stroke 7 years ago and describes his life as ‘a living nightmare’.

He sums up his new existence as “dull, miserable, demeaning, undignified and intolerable”.

He wants the right to end his life legally with medical help at a time of his choosing.

But a judge has said it would require a major change in the law.

Mr. Justice Royce said “no one could fail to be deeply moved by the terrible predicament faced by Mr Nicklinson”.

But he said these matters are for “parliament to decide, representing society as a whole” and not for the court to rule on individual cases.

Pro-life campaigners have welcomed the ruling saying it is up to others to rise to the challenge of helping sufferers realize their value and overcome their sense of hopelessness.

Speaking via his computer this afternoon he says he is devastated by the court decision.

And standing by her weeping husband’s side Jane Nicklinson described the decision as ‘one-sided’.