Campaigners with conflicting opinions on the right-to-die debate today united in their support for the grieving family of locked-in syndrome sufferer Tony Nicklinson.

The 58-year-old's legal challenge for a change in the law divided opinion on whether assisted dying should be acceptable.

Mr Nicklinson was a keen and active sportsman who was paralysed after a stroke in 2005. He lost a landmark High Court right-to-die action last week and died this morning at his home in Melksham, Wiltshire, following a rapid deterioration in his health after contracting pneumonia over the weekend.

Today those who had long supported his campaign were joined by those who opposed it in mentioning Mr Nicklinson's wife, Jane, and grown-up daughters Beth and Lauren.

Davina Hehir, director of legal strategy and policy at Dignity in Dying, which campaigns for greater choice in a person's right to die, said: "We extend our heartfelt sympathies to Tony Nicklinson's family following his death.

"Whilst Tony's case went beyond Dignity in Dying's campaign for assisted dying for terminally ill people, we respected Tony as an extremely courageous man who inspired many people. His legacy will live on."

Dominica Roberts, of the ProLife Alliance, who said she had been corresponding with Mr Nicklinson in the time before his death, said:
"Although we differed about the issues, I came to care personally for Tony. He was a remarkable man."

A spokesman for the Care Not Killing group, which campaigns to preserve existing laws against euthanasia and assisted suicide, said: "It is a very sad death but it is time for them (Mr Nicklinson's family) to grieve in peace."

Anti-euthanasia group SPUC Pro-Life general secretary Paul Tully added:
"We offer our condolences to Mr Nicklinson's family and friends.

"We note reports that his death was peaceful and while surrounded by his loved ones."

Dr Antony Lempert, chairman of the Secular Medical Forum which campaigns against religious influences in medical treatment, described Mr Nicklinson as living in "unbearable torment".

He said that Mr Nicklinson would leave a fitting legacy, adding: "Many people do not regard life as sacrosanct but as a brief interlude to be lived as well as possible. When Tony could no longer live well, or even passably, he wanted to die.

"In the event, he is no longer suffering but the manner of his death should leave those who would argue against assisted dying in all cases to think long and hard about their own moral compass."