I never watched Charlie's Angel's. But with the help of Carmen rollers in the 1970's along with millions of other teenagers I tried to have hair like Farrah Fawcett. I suppose if I'm honest I always thought she was a bit of a Hollywood airhead but after watching tonight's extremely moving documentary on Channel 4 I'm astounded at her bravery in charting two years on film of invasive and terrifying cancer treatment.
Ten years ago this August, my sister died aged 51 of secondary cancer in her liver. She wasn't a Hollywood actress but she shared with Farrah Fawcett a profound concern for her children and family, rather than herself. At 61, my mother died of lung cancer when I was only 28 so to some extent it has been a major shadow over my life as it is for millions of others. Once it's been your loved ones in the frame the fear it might be you next never quite goes away.
When I was Mayor I tried to do my bit my raising as much money as I could and we collectively managed to raise £4000 - a decent enough total but only enough to keep the hospice going for one day. Their work continues.
At times in our lives, we all get wound up about trivial stuff like not enough money and getting older. We should be glad we are alive. I may spend a lot of my life in political activity - but I never forget mortality, the great leveller which none of us can escape. Nor cease to be affected by the bravery of others facing the end before their time. Like the rest of us, Hollywood legends have to die. And Farrah Fawcett emerged from her last movie with serene dignity and style.
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