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A quadriplegic man has recorded heartbreaking YouTube videos begging to be allowed to end his life through euthanasia - because he can't cope with the high cost of his medical bills.

Marco Guillen, who lives in Cabudare in Venezuela, makes a direct appeal to the President Nicolás Maduro to be permitted to end his life "in a dignified way" in the heart-wrenching footage that is circulating on social media.

It is one of many clips that the 45-year-old - who has absolutely no use of any of his limbs - has recorded over the past year in a desperate bid to raise awareness of his plight.

According to local reports, Mr Guillen has been a quadriplegic since he was injured in a traffic accident 12 years ago.

(Image: marco aurelio guillen carrillo /Youtube) (Image: Twitter)

He explains in the video, which was recorded last Saturday, that the pressure of looking after him caused his mother to die.

He says: "There is a serious situation in the country, I'm no economist, I don't know if there's an economic battle but the truth is that when someone goes out to look for something I need, whether it's food or medical supplies the high cost of living makes me run out of strength.

"I do not want to burden my family, or my daughter or my wife, with the poor life I lead."

He adds: "As many people will tell you, many neighbours, my mother died because of me, from taking care of me.

(Image: Twitter) (Image: marco aurelio guillen carrillo /Youtube)

"I am requesting that the national government carry out euthanasia, in a dignified way."

According to Venezuela al Dia , the 45-year-old's medical expenses and food bills are greater than his monthly pension.

The father has made his pleas while the socialist country has been in economic turmoil that threatens to push it into default.