The standing ovation received in the House of Lords yesterday by Baroness Tessa Jowell, as she spoke in detailed and emotional terms about her treatment for brain cancer, was particularly well deserved.
Baroness Howell (70), a former Labour cabinet minister who has always been well respected throughout her political career, was only diagnosed with the condition last year.
She said she took considerable solace from the last words of the late Co Derry Nobel Laureate Seamus Heaney, Noli timere - do not be afraid.
Her speech was inspirational and it will be widely hoped that her campaign on behalf of cancer patients will be a long term one.
