Sorry to practically repeat the heading but I think I’m a bit worried. Of what, you may ask. Well, at this precise moment, two things. Every day, I learn of the death of somebody well known (whom I admire in some way) or within my various largish groups of friends, acquaintances and/or family in various parts of the country. Quite a few of them were of a life span currently the same as (76 years) or less than mine. Does this mean it’s nearly my turn next? Or a signal that I’m an upstart in the lack of death department? Please don’t tar me with that brush – I don’t mean to be.

The other worry is the deterioration of my memory. Doctors have reassured me that this is nothing to worry about and part of the normal ageing process. I am not convinced and am often enraged when I can’t recognise the photo of John Wayne on a Pointless picture board. That’s not a particularly good example, actually, I’d always recognise John Wayne but you get the picture (even if I don’t). Memory’s a strange thing, isn’t it? You stand in the kitchen, realise that what you need at this moment is located in the garage, then enter the garage wondering what the f**k it was you needed. And this shortcoming is afflicting someone who can vividly remember lying in a pram outside his Nan’s house when he was a gorgeous little one-year-old baby!

So, should I be worried? I don’t think I’m scared of death, as long as it doesn’t hurt. I would feel extremely sorry for my family and friends in case they missed me and bitterly regret not having been able to do things my body prevented me from doing for so long. As for the memory thing, I can’t bloody remember what I was going to say about that.

I’m still a bit worried!

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Supporting data

Those who have shuffled off this mortal coil from (and including) 20 March 2025

• Eddie Jordan, 76
• George Forman, 76
• Andy Peebles, 76