My week

The 'Woman's Hour' presenter becomes the interviewee as her new book is published

Monday

Because of my illness last year, I don't do Woman's Hour on a Monday any more. I live in Macclesfield and my oncologist advised me not to take the overcrowded train down to London on a Sunday evening. I've got a hip problem from the chemotherapy, so every Monday and Friday lunchtime I hobble down to my local leisure centre and do hydrotherapy. This evening I take the train to London and meet my pal Sally, and we go to the Camden Brasserie. They do the best chips in London.

Tuesday

Have to wake up at 5.30 and be in work at 6.45 for Woman's Hour. It takes longer to get ready now but I shower and do my make-up just as I used to. My lovely driver George picks me up and carries my bags for me. After the programme I have an interview to publicise my new book. I find it really difficult being the interviewee as I'm so used to being the interviewer. I'm so tired I go to bed at 7pm, listening to the radio.

Wednesday

After Woman's Hour I do a pre-record for the show tomorrow. It is a really distressing interview with a woman whose husband of 25 years had been convicted of sex crimes against children. She had no idea what he had been up to. She really was incredibly brave. After lunch I take the train back to Macclesfield with my friend Tony. He is Sally's husband and we've been friends a long time. He came with me because he is buying my son's car. It's a bit nerve-racking selling a car to a friend but he drove off the following day and got home fine!

Thursday

Today I do Woman's Hour from the studio in Manchester. Then I go home and work on a newspaper article. I have my short-haired Chihuahua, Butch, on my lap for company. They are the most loving, loyal and intelligent dogs. When the kids left home, my partner David said we were to have no more dogs, but I missed having that cheery welcome when you get home, so I pleaded with him to have another. I have to admit, I played the cancer card. David got to name him, though.

Friday

I was supposed to have an interview with another journalist travelling up from London, but her train broke down outside Watford and the poor woman was stuck for hours. I go for my hydrotherapy, and then stay at home for the rest of the day. I'm rushing round next week promoting the book so I'm going to have a quiet weekend.

Jenni Murray's 'Memoirs of a Not so Dutiful Daughter' is published on Monday by Bantam at 14.99

Interview by Gillian Orr

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