British scientist, 104, who will end his life at a Swiss clinic tomorrow reveals he wants Beethoven's 9th Symphony to be played as he is administered the lethal drugs
Dr David Goodall, a world-renowned botanist, is set to die at a suicide clinic in Switzerland on Thursday
Dr Goodall will spend his last day in Basel botanical gardens with his grandchildren before taking lethal drugs
He will die at 10am at a clinic in an undisclosed location with four family members and a friend by his side
By PAUL THOMPSON, IN BASEL, SWITZERLAND and SARA MALM FOR MAILONLINE

A British scientist set to end his life in a Swiss suicide clinic tomorrow, has revealed that he will most likely be playing Beethoven in his final moments.

David Goodall, 104, told a press conference in Basel, Switzerland, that while he had he had not chosen a special last meal he might play Beethoven's 9th Symphony.

Dr Goodall, a world-renowned botanist, will die at 10am on Thursday in a clinic at an undisclosed location, with four members of his family and a close friend by his side.


Earlier today, Dr Goodall was seen toured the Basel University Botanical Gardens with his grandchildren, who later spoke to MailOnline.

Daniel Goodall, 30, told MailOnline: ' I feel very privileged that I will be able to be there when my grandfather passes away.


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'He is so brave and I am so glad that he has been able to make his own choice.

'It is his wish that he can end his life, but such a shame that he was not allowed to do it in his own country.'

Mr Goodall said the visit to Bordeaux over the weekend was to allow the 104-year-old to rest after the long flight from Australia.

Documentary: Dr Goodall gets a hug from Taiwanese actress and television hostess Bowie Tsang during the filming of a documentary film about Goodall +20
Documentary: Dr Goodall gets a hug from Taiwanese actress and television hostess Bowie Tsang during the filming of a documentary film about Goodall


Duncan, 36, said he would be by his grandfather's side when he passes away from assisted suicide.

'I think what he is doing is incredibly brave. My grandfather has approached this is a completely rational way and not let any emotion get in the way.

'He wants to die and he wants to die on his own terms. The fact that he is doing this so publicly shows how brave he is.'.

Both grandsons told Mail Online they will find it hard to keep their emotions in check as the enter the room where Dr Goodall will be injected with the drug.

Duncan added; 'It is going to be hard and I really don't know how I will feel on the day.'

His choice: Dr Goodall travelled to Europe this week to end his life voluntarily at a Swiss assisted suicide clinic +20
His choice: Dr Goodall travelled to Europe this week to end his life voluntarily at a Swiss assisted suicide clinic

Precious time: Dr Goodall speaks to his grandchildren and their partners about some of the plants displayed in the gardens +20
Precious time: Dr Goodall speaks to his grandchildren and their partners about some of the plants displayed in the gardens

Dr Goodall chats with Taiwanese actress and television hostess Bowie Tsang, as they film a a documentary about him +20
Dr Goodall chats with Taiwanese actress and television hostess Bowie Tsang, as they film a a documentary about him

Legacy: Dr Goodall and the film team recorded footage at Basel University Botanical Gardens +20
Legacy: Dr Goodall and the film team recorded footage at Basel University Botanical Gardens

In his last public comments about his death Dr Goodall spoke at a press conference in Basel where he again emphasised his desire to end his life.

Asked if he had a moment's hesitation he replied instantly:' None whatsoever.'.

Dr Goodall said: 'I no longer want to continue with my life and am happy to have the chance to end it.'

Dr Goodall, who until his retirement in 102 was the oldest working scientist, said he hoped his very public passge to dying would help change the law in Australia.

He was able to fly to Switzerland after Exit International raised more than £10,000 by a crowd funding appeal.

The cost of dying at the clinic run by Life Cycle is around £8,000.

Dr Goodall arrives to hold a news conference a day before he intends to take his own life in assisted suicide, in Basel +20
Dr Goodall arrives to hold a news conference a day before he intends to take his own life in assisted suicide, in Basel

Final message: The scientist speaks during a press conference as his final day approaches +20
Final message: The scientist speaks during a press conference as his final day approaches

Dr Goodall was flanked by Philip Nitschke of pro-euthanasia Exit International and Moritz Gall, a lawyer for Life Circle/Eternal Spirit +20
Dr Goodall was flanked by Philip Nitschke of pro-euthanasia Exit International and Moritz Gall, a lawyer for Life Circle/Eternal Spirit

David Goodall held a news conference a day before he intends to take his own life in an assisted suicide clinic in Switzerland +20
David Goodall held a news conference a day before he intends to take his own life in an assisted suicide clinic in Switzerland

Famous last words: Dr Goodal is wheeled in to address the media one day before he is due to end his life in a Swiss clinic +20
Famous last words: Dr Goodal is wheeled in to address the media one day before he is due to end his life in a Swiss clinic

Dr Goodall had become determined to die after his quality of life worsened with age as he lost the ability to walk.

'My recent life has not been enjoyable,' he told reporters after arriving in Switzerland.

Dr Goodall said he has been considering suicide for 20 years, and said a lack of mobility was one of the reasons he wanted to take his own life, despite not being sick.

He said he has tried to kill himself three times but was now seeking professional assistance at the Life Circle clinic.

He met with Swiss doctors on Tuesday, and if deemed to be of sound mind he will be administered a lethal cocktail of chemicals.

Switzerland's assisted-suicide laws mean people are able to take their own lives, unlike in his home-country.

Dr Goodall celebrated his 104th birthday in early April and decided the time had come access voluntarily euthanasia in Switzerland +20
Dr Goodall celebrated his 104th birthday in early April and decided the time had come access voluntarily euthanasia in Switzerland

The 104-year-old got on a plane in Perth last Wednesday surrounded by friends and family saying their final goodbyes, including his grandson Matt (pictured) +20
The 104-year-old got on a plane in Perth last Wednesday surrounded by friends and family saying their final goodbyes, including his grandson Matt (pictured)

Amazing motto: Mr Goodall is pictured in a sweater with the words 'Ageing Disgracefully' on May 1 +20
Amazing motto: Mr Goodall is pictured in a sweater with the words 'Ageing Disgracefully' on May 1

Dr Goodall was born in London in 1914, and is an eminent botanist and ecologist. Pictured, Dr Goodall in the 1950s +20
Dr Goodall was born in London in 1914, and is an eminent botanist and ecologist. Pictured, Dr Goodall in the 1950s

Dr Goodall believes people should be able to decide for themselves if they want to use medicine to die.

'I wouldn't suggest that it's available to everyone, and just going and buying it off the shelf,' he said.

'I think there are plenty of people who might misuse that. But I would accept that it should be done by doctors' prescription — but they should be free to prescribe.'

Dr Goodall was born in London in 1914, and completed his PhD in 1941, at the University of London, now Imperial College London, on the tomato plant.

Dr David Goodall is pictured after receiving his Order of Australia, which recognises Australian citizens and others for achievement or meritorious service, in 2016 +20
Dr David Goodall is pictured after receiving his Order of Australia, which recognises Australian citizens and others for achievement or meritorious service, in 2016

Dr Goodall's grandson, Matt Goodall (far left) on his grandfather's 104th birthday, is pictured alongside his mother Karen and brother Graham +20
Dr Goodall's grandson, Matt Goodall (far left) on his grandfather's 104th birthday, is pictured alongside his mother Karen and brother Graham

Dr Goodall came to Australia in 1948 taking up a lecturing position at the University of Melbourne +20
Dr Goodall came to Australia in 1948 taking up a lecturing position at the University of Melbourne

He came to Australia in 1948 taking up a lecturing position at the University of Melbourne.

There he gained another PhD from the University of Melbourne in 1953, before working as a university professor in the UK and the US.

Dr Goodall turned 104 in April, and has since decided to access voluntary euthanasia in Switzerland.

Great move.

Hmmm! Man decides to kill himself. What remains? Just one day, the world will hear of a self-created person.