The week Wes Streeting underlined my belief he is Starmer’s successor in waiting.
Since my diagnosis, so many people have shown me kindness beyond the call of duty.
I regularly get messages from old friends, just asking how I am doing, often asking if they can do anything to help or suggesting a meet-up.
Mike Tobin, who made a fortune in data storage, got in touch. We did a lot together in the old days for various charities. His wife, Shalina, is an accomplished photographer and social media content creator, a delightful couple.
Other messages are less joyful but equally important. Susie Brock, a former ITN production assistant, has long kept in touch.
She messaged to ask if I had heard the sad news of the death of a mutual friend, another PA, Mo Davies, after a liver illness.
I thanked Brocky, as she was always known, and said I hadn’t heard. But despite the dementia, it brought back many happy memories, not least when RDF came down to interview me about the fall of the Berlin Wall. Mo had been the PA. It was great to see her then and to catch up.
Another old friend, Peter McDermot, had a fatal stroke. His ex-wife is one of Sall’s best friends, and much time was spent on the phone, and then we met up too. They had three sons.
The youngest, Hugo, died aged 15 from a brain tumour. He was a golden boy: beautiful, a great sportsman and very bright. He was also our daughter Clemmie’s first boyfriend. He died at home, and Clem had helped nurse him in his final days.
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| GB NEWSThe high point of the week has been something I did for someone else. We have long been supporters of our local hospice for very young children, teenagers and young adults, Naomi House and Jack’s Place.
I was invited to give a talk to their comms team and fundraisers, a remarkable group of young men and women. It was terrific, and it reminded us that Hugo had spent some respite time there, so it was a powerful and uplifting connection.
I stressed that the hospice’s USP for me is that we all celebrate its existence and pray we never need its services.
We talked about the government’s attitude. State funding is limited, and personal, corporate and charitable trust donations are the lifeblood of this crucial and brilliant service.
It is always a pleasure and an honour to help them.
Politically, the Labour conference dominated the week. Wes Streeting made a great speech, underlining my belief he is Starmer’s successor in waiting. Starmer’s own vision address was more about Reform UK and Nigel Farage than Labour and Starmer.
It disappointed, but not as much as the BBC’s analysis, which featured Lammy saying Nigel had flirted with the Hitler Youth. As ignorant and stupid as it was, it was also offensive.
Clemmie went to her first hen night in Saudi Arabia and said it was sumptuous and fascinating. The groom attended the first ten minutes.
The dancing, which she loves, was terrific; she was taught Saudi dances and, in turn, taught her girlfriend (including her former head of HR, who was the bride) the Macarena. She said everyone had a ball.