This year, one of our best-loved actors, Alison Steadman, is again raising awareness of the work of the end-of-life charity, Marie Curie. ‘They helped my mum enormously,’ explains Alison, from her home in London, shared with her partner, Michael Elwyn.
‘Many years ago, my mum was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, which was in a very late stage. There was no cure, so she was in the last stage of her life. The Marie Curie hospice made it as good as it could be for her, and she lived for two years after her diagnosis.’
Now she herself is in her 70s, Alison reflects on her own health. ‘Well, first of all, I’m lucky to be here. And I’m touching wood again, but I am reasonably healthy. Someone once said to me, never moan about getting old because a lot of people don’t have that privilege, and it’s true. I feel lucky to be as well as I am at my age.
‘I love to go walking. My main thing is I eat well. I enjoy swimming, but I haven’t been for quite a long time. Occasionally I want to bend down for something and my body feels a bit creaky or a bit stiff. And I actually say to myself, imagine you’re 30, not 75. And you know, I find it much easier to pick something up if I do that!
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
Patchwork PROJECTS
Easy ideas to show off English paper-piecing techniques
Night train to BERLIN
Germany's exciting and varied capital is now reachable by train from the UK
French FANCY
Raymond Blanc's right-hand man, Benoit Blin's favourite bakes
Are you missing out on BENEFITS?
Here's how to find out what you are eligible for
TRAY bien
All-in-one tray bakes, packed with flavour
We took a grown-up GAP YEAR!
Who says taking time out is just for students?
'I'm obsessed with reality TV!'
THIS WEEK'S COLUMNIST Author and presenter Louise Minchin
What to eat and do for A HEALTHIER GUT
Fix those problems and boost your wellbeing
Picture palaces
In an age of cinema complexes, we celebrate five historic and beautiful picture houses that have stood the test of time
'My diet during Bake Off is cake and alcohol!'
Dame Prue Leith on the popular baking contest