How easy it is to judge others, even those who are in a similar condition. One's life is one's life regardless of the condition. One cannot judge another by one's belief system because the other may not believe as you. These folks and the young man did what they felt was right..it was their choice..

Phil Bowman, Albuquerque, USA

Life is not about choices. Everyday we do things that we have no choice in doing. We must pay our taxes, we must wake up and go to sleep, we must eat and drink, we can't steal from other people. We don't get to chose when someone else's life ends and we shouldn't be able to chose to end our own.

Don, Brussels,

my heart goes out to Dan's family. I'm in a similar position to Dan. I feel their blessing was brave and generous - important to Dan. I wish I could have met Dan and share his pain as it's a lonely life. I still grieve my loss. it pains me to see my parents psychological pain and helplessness

Lise, Southampton, England

I'd like to express my deepest sympathy for Mr & Mrs James. The anguish they must have suffered is unspeakable. It must be hard enough without strangers, who know nothing of the real circumstances, presuming to judge their actions. Let's leave them to grieve in peace.

Jim Steele, Warrington, UK

What a tragedy for poor Dan & his family - how dare any one of us judge their decision. I am deeply moved by their plight , and that of Matt Hampson, Stuart Mangan and all the other young rugby players struck down and paralysed playing the game they love. You all have my utmost respect and support.

D Reid, Epsom, UK

May I invite Mr and Mrs James and all the readers that consider them 'brave' to watch the movie murderball. There lies in my opinion the notion of courage.

Val, Leeds,

Having lost a child myself I can understand the grief the James family feel but I can't imagine the pain and anguish they've gone through to help their son achieve what he wished for.The interfering "do gooder"really should be ashamed of theirself and hope not to find themselves in a similar place

Bernie, cardigan,

A very brave sacrifice by Mr and Mrs James to accept the wishes of their son. I hope they found a peaceful end to such a horrible ordeal

Tom, London,

Such unconditional love is a rare commoditity in todays society & Dans family gave it in spades. I can only sit back in sheer amazement at the strength of this wonderful family & hope that they can now remember Dan in the way that he would have wanted.

Ally, Oxfordshire,

The James family should not be judged for helping the son they dearly loved so much. It must have been the most difficult thing in the world to do, and they will live with this for the rest of their lives. The woman who reported you must like seeing people suffer,how can she live with herself.

jude, rhondda, wales

My heartfelt condolences to Dan's family and friends. My best friend was injured and paralyzed from C4 down. He ultimately chose to end his life. Because of this Dan's story resonated so much with me and I hope that I would have the same courage as his parents if ever in a similar situation.

Paul, Washington DC, USA

Peace to all. To any tetras like me-I can't walk, manage bowel and bladder myself, have spasms and pain in. Life IS worth living, given time, rehab and patience. This boy was depressed. He wasn't injured long enough to make an informed choice. Don't give up! We failed him. CareCure.org helped me.

Betheny, yukon ok, usa

My thoughts go out to all of Dan's family and friends. Rest in peace Dan you are in a much better place and will never be forgotten xxx

Laura, Loughborough, UK

You have my sympathy. I was brought up a Roman Catholic, but, with the passage of time, life is not as black and white as they try to teach us. I think you supported your son to the end - what more could you do?

Sue Aiken, Fareham,

I don't know what to say except to give my wholehearted support and condolences to Dan's family.

Donal Roche, Ashbourne, Ireland

My heart goes out to the James family they have respected what their son wanted and been so very brave in helping him. My thoughts and prayers go with you x

Liz, ulverston, cumbria

Every day people are kept alive by medical advances and in this way cheat death. I don't understand why we can't allow people the choice to do the contrary. I don't think this has anything to do with the way we view disability. It was Dans wish, nothing more. He and his family should not be judged.

Jules, BRISTOL, UK

I support Dan and his parents, Life is about choice and they all made the hardest choice after, I imagine a lot of soul searching, my love and thoughts go out to Dan's family at what must be a very difficult time. XX

Pauline, Tadley, Hanats

I admire Julie James so much. She stood up to these religious storm-troopers who are driven by their disturbed thinking to impose their perverse beliefs on others. She really deserves the Nobel Peace Prize - not some Finnish politician - because she brought true peace to her son.

HENRY ALKEN, Lansdale, PA, USA

As much as one should respect the bravery of both Dan and his parents, am I alone in thinking that this case speaks volumes about the ways in which severe disability is perceived? Associating it with terminal illness is the discursive product of the non-disabled world in which we live.

Kirsty Liddiard, Milton Keynes, England

As a fellow young man and rugby player , i can completely symphathise with Dan and how he must have felt , poor man , may you rest in peace Dan and know you were loved

Gary, London, UK

no one's judging the young man they are judging his parents! He was clearly depressed about his situation and if his mpther thought his life was "second class" then he was going to think so too. Talk to people who have come through depression and whilst the will to die is genuine they are they lived

Kasia, Caterham, UK

I realise that this won't get published since it will be the only comment that doesn't support this.

Nevertheless, it is in the public interest to prosecute this. We can't have people offing themselves because of a setback. This guy was still recovering. This was not a hopeless case.

Ed, Cardiff,

Dans decision and the love and strength of his Mum and Dad is a humbling story. I have two teenage sons playing rugby for a local team that play Dans club. It all feels very close. I hope the authorities respect this loving family. All my sympathy

Peter Smith, Coventry,

Total and utter selfless love has been displayed by Dan's parents and family. Rest in Peace Dan and be assured that the majority of people in Britain will support your families decision.

Aileen Jones, Llanidloes, Wales

RIP Dan. What an unbearable situation. We think ourselves civilized and yet force people to endure such suffering with no hope of relief. Sincerest condolences.

Robin, Matawan, USA

True love shown by Dan's parents, the hardest decision they will ever have to make and one that could only have been made with unconditional love for there son. I wish the family well and that this will not descend into another condemnation of a brave family's decision

Lee Pike, Harlow, England

You respected and honoured your sons wishes at the expense of your own feelings which I am sure are in shreds. I admire your courage and strength and I hope and pray you will be left alone.

Debbie, Leicester, UK

Kudos to Mr and Mrs James for finding the strength to help Dan find peace. This must have been an incredibly difficult thing to do, and goes to show how much love they have for their son. The authorities should leave the James family alone, they have been through more than enough pain already.

Tim, Atlanta, USA

what a brave young man and brave parents please let them grieve in peace with no interference from anybody

stuart lister, bradford, england

My sympathy goes to Dan's family.
Surely if we have any 'human rights' at all, foremost should be the right to end our life when we choose.

Neil, Hillsborough, UK

Very very sad for everyone involved but I agree with both Dan's and his parents decision. for those of us not in Dan's situation i doubt we can ever magine both the physical and mental torture.

Graeme Smith, Wandsworth, England

I am so sad to to read of the news of a fellow tetraplegic's assisted suicide. Like young Dan,who was the same age as my rugby-playing son is, I too,cannot walk, have no hand function, am doubly incontinent and rely on 24-hour care for every basic need, but while there is life there is always hope.

Cherry E A Frame, Llangadog, Carmarthenshire

Unless you care for such people, you have no idea what they struggle with; pain, paralysis, pressure sores >infection > gangrene, infected catheters causing ascending infection > renal failure, chronic chest infection, manual evacuation of faeces, impotence, social isolation /rejection. You choose..

degreenurse, ipswich,

A persons life is their own to take if they wish. I admire this young mans bravery and condenm any "well meaning" person who thinks otherwise.

P. Wilson, Brighton,

We should all be humbled by such an example of courage, love and dignity. Only the greatest love for their son could have given Dan's family the courage to allow and assist him in achiving his own intelligently considered but heartbreaking decision.
My heart goes out to his family.

Richard Blevins, Cranleigh, Surrey, UK

Perhaps if Mr and Mrs James were prosecuted, there would be such a public outcry that our ridiculous laws would be changed. However, since when have politicians taken any notice of public opinion?
I hope the holier-than-thou informant is pleased with herself.
RIP Dan.

colin, london, england

It's about time that the law governing assisted suicide in the UK is changed to enable people such as Dan James to be assisted to end their lives lawfully and with dignity and without having to face the additional burden of travelling to Switzerland to do so.

Chris, Hertford,

Well done Mrs. James. Your son had to take a very brave decision and so therefore did you and the rest of the family. Maybe now you can enjoy the memories of your son in the prime of his young life, without having having to watch him suffer every day. Good luck to you all

Mark Hardaker, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia

I agree with your actions and sentiments; a tragic life has ended peacefully, which is a blessing.

Oliver, Cambridge,

What a brave family you are and what you did for your son is amazing. God bless you all.

Kulbinder Singh, kent, england

I can only commend Dan for having the courage to make this decision. He was fortunate to have a family who loved and supported him in pursuing his right to end his life with dignity.

Shame on the person who called the Police. One day perhaps they will understand the bigger picture.

Peter Ward, Coventry, West Midlands

It must have been hard for you all. I can never imagine the pain you have all experienced, and my heart goes out to you. God be with Dan and all his family. Free Will.x

Teresa , Surrey,

I'm overwhelmed by the strength and dignity shown by Dan's parents. I hope he's in a better place.

Leenie, Worcester, UK

Imagine how much better off our entire world would be if every child had a parent that loved them as much as Mr. & Mrs. James loved their son.

Phil Barber, Naples Florida, USA

I wholeheartedly agree.

David Evans, Stourbridge,