DISABLED Dorset woman Alison Davis spoke today of her 'huge relief' after the House of Lords refused to allow terminally ill Diane Pretty to commit suicide with her husband's help.

Miss Davis, 46, from Milborne St Andrew, who has Spina Bifida, was horrified that 42-year-old mother Mrs Pretty was appealing for protection from prosecution for her husband if he helped her to die.

Mrs Pretty, who lives in Bedfordshire with Brian, her husband of 25 years, was granted an urgent hearing in the House of Lords after the High Court ruled that a family member could not help a loved one die.

Miss Davis, paralysed from the waist down and suffering constant pain, believes euthanasia is wrong and went to London to speak to lawyers in the case about her views before the appeal. Yesterday she was in the House of Lords to hear them uphold a refusal by the Director of Public Prosecutions to guarantee Mr Pretty's freedom from prosecution.

Miss Davis, who tried to commit suicide several times before becoming inspired to raise cash for a disabled children's centre in India, said: "It is a huge relief.

"I was quite terrified that the decision might have gone her way. I feel so sorry for her - I really do know how she is feeling - but I now know that killing people is not the right way to deal with those feelings. I also think that it is an appalling burden to expect someone else to kill you.

"And it sets a dangerous precedent that killing someone who is disabled or terminally ill is somehow for their own good."

Philip Havers QC, representing Mrs Pretty, told the five Law Lords that his client was in no pain, but wanted to die with dignity after losing her speech and movement through the progressive disease. He told them that Mrs Pretty's life expectancy was only a few months, but 'she strongly wishes to control how and when she dies'.

He added: "But for her disorder she would be able to do so by lawfully committing suicide. The terrible irony of the case is that the disorder which causes her so much suffering also prevents her from doing so."

The Law Lords said they could not change the laws of the land, and that helping someone to die was still a criminal offence, punishable by up to 14 years in prison.

Miss Davies' carer Colin Harte said: "I am relieved - it was a compassionate decision for Diane Pretty, even though she may not feel that herself, and it will be a relief to many other disabled and vulnerable people who feared that their status and dignity would be threatened."