My alarm goes off at 6am this morning, and I get up and get dressed without delay. The BBC are sending a taxi to collect me (and my wife) to take us to their studio in Norwich, so that I can be interviewed for the Radio 4 Today programme. The taxi is due at 7am, and the dog has to be fed and walked, and my wife and I need to have at least one cup of tea/coffee and some breakfast (Nutriblast) before we leave the house.
The taxi is outside a few minutes before 7am, and we are soon on our way into Norwich. It takes just under an hour to get to the studio (which is about the size of an understairs cupboard), and we arrive to find out that I have been bumped into a later slot because of Philip Hammond‘s “handbrake turn” on National Insurance increases in the budget – not good for the nerves (or my tremor), which I am desperately trying to keep in check. I was originally scheduled to be on air at 8.20am, but it’s just gone 8.40am when John Humphrys introduces me. It’s all over in a flash, and I hardly get to say a word (and, believe me, I had plenty of words that I wanted to say!), but the consensus of opinion (my wife and the taxi driver) was that I had given a good account of myself (it’s at 2:42:30 if you want to listen to it). Two minutes after coming off air, my phone is ringing – it’s the LBC Breakfast show next. I’m quickly introduced by Nick Ferrari, and the interview begins – this time I get to say a little bit more (not a lot!) and both my wife and I felt that that was the better interview.
Back into the taxi, and we are driven back to Southrepps. It already feels like it has been a long day, but it’s only just 10am when we get back home. My wife disappears off to work, and I sit and deal with some email. I have a congratulatory message from the media company that put me forward for the interviews, and some kind messages on Facebook. The media company also call me on the phone to tell me how pleased they are with the interviews, and to let me know that Baroness Meacher will also be calling to express her gratitude. A little while later Baroness Meacher does call, and she thanks me for “being so brave and sticking your head over the parapet”. She also gives me her mobile number with instructions to call her immediately if the police start to take an interest in me (the subject matter of the interviews was my illegal use of cannabis to control my Parkinson’s Disease symptoms). I am quite prepared to face the consequences of my actions (if necessary) but it is hugely reassuring to know that there is someone with some clout who is prepared to fight your corner if things go pear-shaped.
My tremor seems a little calmer this afternoon, which is hardly surprising, but my voice is incredibly weak. I think that I may have used it up this morning, in my effort to speak clearly and loudly!