Edward Downes after his health declined following a hip replacement. Lady Downes was diagnosed with terminal pancreatic cancer that metastasised to her liver, and given only weeks to live. Lady Downes wrote a letter to family explaining that she had decided against treatment and that: Sir Edward, aged 85, and Lady Downes, aged 74, ended their lives by assisted suicide at the Dignitas clinic in Zürich, Switzerland, on 10 July 2009. Although Joan did not want the children present, Dignitas encouraged it and "Ted and Joanie" were reported to be pleased when the time came. Their children issued a statement speaking of
Mark Downes Mark Downes Mark Anthony Downes (born 1 August 1974) is an English cricketer. Downes is a right-handed batsman who bowls right-arm fast-medium. He was born in Wellington, Shropshire. Downes made his debut for Shropshire in the 1999 MCCA Knockout Trophy against Cumberland. Downes has played Minor counties cricket for Shropshire from 1999 to present, which has included 15 Minor Counties Championship appearances and 14 MCCA Knockout Trophy appearances. He made his List A debut against Devon in the 2001 Cheltenham & Gloucester Trophy. He made 4 further List A appearances, the last of which came against Hampshire in the 2005