Edward Downes "serious health problems" suffered by the couple. A statement issued by the couple's children said that while Downes could have gone on living with his deafness and blindness, he did not want to do so after his wife was diagnosed with terminal cancer. In March 2010, Keir Starmer (director of public prosecutions) stated that Caractacus Downes would not be prosecuted for his involvement with his parents' assisted suicide because it was not in the public interest. Edward Downes Sir Edward Thomas ("Ted") Downes, CBE (17 June 1924 – 10 July 2009) was an English conductor, specialising in opera. He was
Percy Downes Percy Downes Percy Downes (19 September 1905 – 1989) was an English professional footballer. He spent six years at Blackpool in the early 20th century, making over 150 Football League appearances for the club, and over 350 league appearances in total. He played as a midfielder. Downes' first senior team was Dinnington Main Colliery Welfare, where he started playing during the early 1920s. He later transferred to Gainsborough Trinity, where his performances earned him a move into professional football in the Football League with Blackpool. Downes made his debut for "the Seasiders" six games into their 1925–26 league season, a