Desperately sad account of a sister's relationship with her much-loved brother Matty, and how that relationship was irrevocably changed when an accident left him in a persistent vegetative state with no apparent conscious awareness of the outside world.

The 'Last Act of Love' that the title refers to is how the family eventually allowed Matty to die. I found this exceptionally hard to read, having personally witnessed someone die in this fashion when I worked in a hospital on a stroke ward. My own experience affected me deeply and permanently, and I still consider it to be one of the worst things I've witnessed in my life.

Many people are unaware that this form of 'passive' euthanasia (essentially permitting someone to starve to death) is legal and are shocked to hear of it. While I would never, ever judge such a compassionate and loving family dealing with an unspeakable situation, I found it hard to accept their decision to allow Matty to die in this way. On the other hand, with no quick, humane form of euthanasia being legal in the UK they were in an impossible position.

I hope that releasing this book raises awareness of both brain injury and issues surrounding survival in an extremely disabled state, and I hope Matty's family find the peace they so deserve.

Left on the bar after a very nice Xmas dinner. If you find it, please spare a moment to make a short note here. Thank you!!