22 February 2010
All hell let loose over the past two days as a result of the article in the Cambridge News. I have received calls directly or indirectly from The Daily Telegraph, The Daily Mail and the Sunday Times as well as calls from various BBC radio stations all requesting interviews. Whilst initially I acceded to the first request, that from The Daily Telegraph, ultimately realising how unhappy it was making ‘my lovely’ and my children, late last night, I rang the journalist and said I could not go ahead with the feature article. I have been too badly let down by the Cambridge News and whatever assurances she gave at the end of the day, with the best intentions in the world, she would not have complete control over the editorial substance or indeed sub-editing so I was not prepared to take that chance.
The problem is that there has been so much debate recently about the assisted suicide – almost every day someone confesses on the television at having ‘assisted’ a loved one ‘on their way’ because of unbearable pain or other – and the fact that very shortly a green paper will be published on the subject, has made this a hot issue and one which I suspect no national newspaper could ignore if I went ahead with a further interviews.
So, having given an undertaking to ‘my lovely’ and the children that that is the end of it, i.e no more media, I have weakened in one respect where one of the Nationals ‘were so excited about the blog’ that they have asked permission to publish some choice extracts with a promise of no accompanying editorial, other than a short introduction, and have offered to send me the precise extracts giving me complete freedom over any that I wish to delete (or indeed add) and control over the headline. I have said neither yes or no to this proposal but have promised ‘my lovely’ will have the final word, she will go through and decide on any deletions or addition. When she is completely happy I will also let the children see what is proposed and hear their views but I suspect they will agree with their mother.
What a business! I deeply regret having started with the anticipation of extending the readership of the blog to thousands more people, some of whom might have to derived some small comfort or pleasure from it and instead ending up with a great deal of aggravation.
22 Comments
Well I’m glad you did as I wouldn’t have come across your blog in the first place.
Thanks, Jonathan. I take it from your remark that you are finding the blog helpful.
good luck
Mark
I’m glad to have found your website (through a link from the Telegraph); you’ve inspired one more person this morning. Keep on truckin 🙂
Nor would I. Please go on writing, Professor.
You’ve got me there, Kate.with your cryptic comment. However, I will go on writing.
Best wishes
Mark
Me too! I am a carer for a fabulous gentleman who has this wretched disease. I found your blog by mistake but its been a breath of fresh air for my lovely friend, his wife and myself. We howl with laughter at your stories . I am from Essex originally but now live in New Zealand. You have been a tonic. Carpe Diem professor.
To hear from people like you, Sue, and realise that I’m touching the very people who I set out to cheer up, makes the whole thing worthwhile. You live in one of the most beautiful countries in the world which I visited for six weeks in 1956. have a goddaughter who grows wine there,in all Malborugh, I think.
Keep reading, I hope there is much more fun to come.
Best wishes and my particular regards to your ‘ fabulous gentleman’.
Mark
Your blog is a breath of fresh air – most enjoyable. Please keep writing!!
Thank you Heather, for your very kind remarks. I can certainly keep going as long as I can.
Best wishes
Mark
Thanks Heather. I shall certainly go on writing as long as I can.
Best wishes
Mark
I love reading your blog and would also recommend Dana Jennings blog in The New York Times.
Thanks, Angela. I shall certainly look at the Jennings blog when I get a moment.
Best wishes
Mark
You’re very kind, Angela. I will certainly take your advice when I get a moment. I’m in the middle of marking some examination papers at present — not my favourite pastime.
Best wishes
Mark
Just spent 4 hours reading your diary start to finish as a result of the media exposure however crass it was, so in a way all publicity really is good publicity! Your story has put all of my ‘problems’ into perspective and given me an understanding of a condition I pray I never encounter first hand. I’m sure you don’t need to be told this but you come across as a true gent for whom I have nothing but admiration. I eagerly await further entries, as I’m sure do many of us. Roll on the ’63 for your 50th!
All the best,
Graham
PS Your jokes are pretty awful!
What a kind chap you are despite not appreciating my jokes. Try the anecdotes or video clips they are inspiring.
My very best wishes to you, Graham.
Mark
Wow,
Like many others I have found your blog through the daily mail website, you are such an inspiration.
I am a 23 year old guy from Bristol and just reading your blog… I can’t really describe it… just keep up the good work!!
Damian
Thanks, Damian. It gives me great pleasure to inspire the young. I wish you well in all your endeavours.
Yours
Mark
You are cutting through the media clutter. Don’t worry about that. This is inspiring stuff for all of us of whatever age and however our own days might be numbered.
you are right, Andrew, the media is a nightmare on the whole best avoided.
Thanks to your kind words
Best wishes
Mark
Read your inspirational blog in the DT today. Long may it continue
Thanks John You are very kind.
Best wishes
Mark
Thank you, John, you’re very kind words. I can certainly go on as long as I can.
Best wishes
Mark