WA professor David Goodall, 104, begins journey to end his life

A 104-year-old Perth academic is on his way to Europe to end his life through assisted suicide.

David Goodall has farewelled family in Perth before flying to Switzerland to die by euthanasia. (AAP)

Australia's oldest scientist is on his way to Europe to end his life through assisted suicide.

David Goodall, who doesn't have a terminal illness but whose quality of life has deteriorated at age 104, plans to visit family in France before dying in Switzerland on May 10.

There were a few tears but most of the friends and family who gathered to farewell Professor Goodall at Perth Airport on Wednesday afternoon had prepared themselves to say goodbye.

David Goodall at the airport with his family Source: AP

From his wheelchair, he hugged them all in turn, thanking everyone and wishing them a wonderful life before he and his nurse boarded the plane.

A GoFundMe campaign raised more than $20,000, well exceeding the target, to upgrade them from economy to business class.

Prof Goodall, an honorary research associate at Edith Cowan University, is being assisted by an organisation in Basel and Australian euthanasia campaigner Philip Nitschke.

David Goodall was a guest on SBS's Insight program in 2017 Source: Saber Baluch, SBS

Readers seeking support and information about suicide prevention can contact Lifeline on 13 11 14.