TV presenter Andrew Marr and his wife, Guardian journalist Jackie Ashley, will speak publicly for the first time about how they adapted to life when Andrew suffered a stroke, when they take to the rostrum for the second Alf Morris Lecture in March.
Before marrying in 1987, the couple were aware of the principles of living with disability through the work of Jackie’s father, the late Lord Jack Ashley, MP for Stoke on Trent from 1966 to 1992 before sitting in the House of Lords.
Following a routine ear operation in 1967 Jack became profoundly deaf.
But being tenacious and driven Jack, together with Alf Morris, spent years campaigning for disability rights, founding the all-party parliamentary disability group and the Chronically Sick & Disabled Persons Act.
He was also instrumental in getting the Disability Discrimination Act that was passed in 1995.
Jackie said: “Alf Morris and Jack Ashley dedicated their parliamentary careers to challenging the limitations imposed by society on people with disabilities.
“Both believed that practical help could be transformative, enriching not just individual lives but families and whole communities.
“The Alf Morris Lecture is just a part of their legacy and, with healthcare provision under increasing strain, we believe its message of empowerment through knowledge is more important than ever before.”
Andrew and Jackie will ‘interview’ one another at the Lecture. Jackie will reflect on her background and the work of her father, while Andrew’s reflections will focus more on regaining his independence.
Discussing how his previous knowledge of independent living for people with disabilities contrasts with his own experience, Andrew and Jackie will share their problems in obtaining support and finding suitable equipment – things that should be readily available to all after a medical crisis.
Describing his stroke as similar to instant ageing, Andrew’s insights into adjusting to sudden change focuses not only on adaptations for the home, but also on the ability to work and travel as well as relationships with family and friends.
He said: “Every year, millions of British people, either disabled or older, suffer frustration, despair and pain because of relatively simple problems, which can be solved. The help and equipment is all around them: but they do not know how or where to obtain it.
“This is an enormously under-reported, national problem. It does not require brilliant new scientific advances, just practical, joined-up help to transform numerous lives, which could be so much happier.
“We are coming together as a couple for the first time to speak of our personal experiences and the need for expert impartial advice. We are doing this in part to express our support for the excellent work the Disabled Living Foundation does in providing practical help to older and disabled people, their families, and carers.”
The lecture takes place on March 17 at the Shaw Theatre, London. Ticket prices start at £25 (concessions available). All proceeds go to the Alf Morris Fund for Independent Living which will help people find out about the resources available to keep them independent, and to help them make choices. Its purpose echoes Alf’s vision, in his own words, “adding life to years” rather than just years to life.
Details: 020 7432 8006, email: alfmorrislecture@dlf.org.uk or www.alf-morris-lecture.org.uk
