Mother of Terminally Ill Teen Says She Supports His Decision on Assisted Dying – Details

After months of treatment, hospital stays, and difficult discussions, their story is no longer just political — it is deeply personal. Scroll to the end to see the moving photos of the mother and son at the centre of this debate.

A kitchen table conversation no parent imagines having has placed one family in Wales at the centre of a debate that continues to divide the UK.

Shelley Herniman says her position on assisted dying has shifted after watching her 19-year-old son, Noah Herniman, endure more than a year of gruelling cancer treatment for an inoperable brain tumour.

Shelley, who lives in Chepstow with Noah and his father, said she had always firmly opposed her son's wish for an assisted death.

That changed, she explained, after witnessing the physical toll of 74 weeks of chemotherapy following his diagnosis during the COVID-19 pandemic. "I brought him into the world and I don't want to take him out of it — but I sure as hell don't want to see him suffer," she said.

By the age of 15, Noah weighed 52 kg (115 lbs), required feeding tubes, and relied on a wheelchair. Doctors had anticipated a further 80 weeks of treatment, but his mother said his body could not withstand it.

Shelley described conversations that "no parent should have," recalling moments when the pain was so severe she feared he might not return home from hospital.

"I've seen him when it's bad," she said. "The chemo affected him so bad that his kidneys and liver were struggling, and that's just on treatment."

She said she could not bear the thought of Noah travelling abroad alone to end his life if the law in the UK does not change. "I wouldn't want him to suffer the way I know others have suffered, and I sure as hell wouldn't want him to go to a foreign country on his own and do it," she said.

Asked whether she had made plans, Shelley responded candidly. "Have I got a plan? Hopefully, I'll never have to [have one]. But the reality is if Noah was at that point and there was nothing that could be done and there were options out there, then I wouldn't say no," the heartbroken mother revealed.

For Noah, the discussion is not about giving up, but about retaining control. He said the idea of death "terrifies" him, and he remains hopeful about studying at university and pursuing acting.

However, he knows his tumour is slow-growing and will eventually prove fatal. "[...] If it gets to that point ever, I don't want to go for a slow agonising death where I can't do anything myself," he said.

He believes people in his position should have access to a fully informed choice within the UK, rather than being forced to travel abroad.

The family's story emerges as politicians in Wales prepare to vote on whether the country should have the authority to establish assisted dying services on the NHS if legislation passes at Westminster.

Assisted dying was rejected in principle by the Senedd in October 2024, though nine Members of the Senedd abstained. However, changes to suicide law are not devolved, meaning if UK Parliament passes the bill, it would become legal in both England and Wales regardless of the Senedd's position.

Most Members of the Senedd, including those from Labour and the Conservatives, are expected to be granted a free vote. Plaid Cymru has yet to confirm whether its members will be whipped.

The bill is currently in the House of Lords, where supporters have expressed concern that a large number of amendments could prevent it from passing. Backers have indicated they would remove sections relating to Wales if consent is refused, though services could still operate in Wales outside NHS provision.

The debate remains contentious, with many within the health and care sector voicing concerns about safeguards and ethical implications. The issue has also sparked strong reactions and commentary online.

"The right to die is one of the most important things that I think we should allow. As we all should have a right to be gone if we want to," one person began.

"Especially those who are living with serious illnesses, both physical and mental, which is indescribable to people who don't have them or had them. I really hope this guy finds peace either in this world or another. ❤️" they continued.

Another netizen shared, "I'm proud of Wales. Its tough but let people leave this world they way they choose [sic]."

Others expressed sorrow. "Genuinely the most heartbreaking thing I've ever heard. Dealing with my own mortality constantly I can't imagine what level of pain this poor man has had to endure to end up here. I genuinely hope he gets the peace he deserves," one wrote.

However, not all responses were supportive. "So scared to die so he just wants to die, its [sic] like he forgot the beauty of life is not knowing when," another person typed. A further comment read, "'Dignified death' son 😭😭😭."

For Shelley and Noah, however, the debate is no longer abstract. It is a question of law, dignity, and time — and one they hope lawmakers will understand not just in principle, but in practice.