In the latest episode of On the Marie Curie Couch, bereavement expert Jason Davidson meets Diana Moran.
Model and journalist Diana is best known as the 'Green Goddess', so-called because she hosted the exercise segment of BBC1's Breakfast Time in the 1980s while wearing her trademark green leotard. In this episode of On the Marie Curie Couch, Diana talks to Jason about her mother Maisie, who died unexpectedly at the age of 47.
A total shock
"I came home from school one day to find my mother in the last stages of her life. She died in the bathroom, where I found her. It was a total shock. I ran to neighbours, ambulances came, and then I had the insidious task of ringing my father at work to tell him that Mummy had died. She died from a cerebral haemorrhage. She'd been totally OK when she said goodbye to me in the morning. Life became very different after that day."
The same age
"I had a mammogram, aged 47, when I was working and living in London. I was found to have breast cancer in both of my breasts. I was the same age my mother had been when she died. I thought, 'oh my goodness, here we go.' I had major surgery, both breasts removed. When I came round, I could not believe that I was still here."
"I made a pact with my God that I'd never waste another day of my life. I'd like to think that I haven't wasted too many days."
Listen now
Tap the link near the top of this page to listen to Diana's chat with Jason. Alternatively, listen to or download it via Acast, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts. If you'd prefer, you can read a full transcript of the episode.
Be sure to like and subscribe so you know when we’ve uploaded a new episode – there are more conversations coming soon.
Content note: discussion of death and grief with reference to themes/topics that might be triggering or upsetting.
