'The way things are is utterly inhumane ...I consider it my life to live and it ought to be my life to end in whatever way I choose'

THE difference in the deaths of Dame Jenni Murray's beloved parents convinced her to back the right to choose how and when a person should die.

- Giles Sheldrick

The broadcasting legend, presenter of Woman's Hour for 33 years, now passionately supports the Daily Express campaign for a change in the law to allow assisted dying, insisting: "It is obviously the right thing to do." 

Dame Jenni, 73, was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2006 on the same day her mother Winifred died of Parkinson's disease.

The pain and suffering she witnessed, as her mother begged to die while she was in a care home, has stayed with her ever since.

And that convinced her the UK's outdated laws are callous.

Dame Jenni said: "The way things are is utterly inhumane... I consider it my life to live and it ought to be my life to end in whatever way I choose."

She added: "I have heard from so many people and families who have suffered indescribable pain and distress. In my case, with my mother, it was Parkinson's - and in the final year of her life she was in a home. I would go there every weekend and she would beg me 'Please Jen, help me die'.

"She was in pain and was not the woman she wanted to be. She couldn't do anything, and there was nothing I could do for her. I had to tell her over and again there was nothing I could do - and it has haunted ever since.

"It is what made me a campaigner on this issue."

As the straight-talking host of Radio 4 Woman's Hour between 1987 and 2020, Jenni led the way highlighting a raft of taboo subjects with candour and humour, laying bare her own health battles and struggles with menopause, HRT, and weight loss.