Flesh, blood, and the kindness of brilliant strangers. A thread.
Peeps who follow me might know that I’ve written a book on the history of my family, told through the medical maladies they suffered (see biog for link). My mum played a major part in that medical saga. /1

Well, today her medical saga continued. Today my elderly mum received the Pfizer vaccine. She is one of the first humans in history involved in this brand new chapter of medical science – the recipient of mRNA technology. /2

I chatted with my mum afterwards about the pioneering nature of these mRNA vaccines: https://www.nbcnews.com/science/science-news/what-mrna-how-pfizer-moderna-tapped-new-tech-make-coronavirus-n1248054
and of the incredible research and thorough testing carried out in double-quick time. /3

We talked of the complicated delivery/manufacturing involved, and the NHS staff who delivered this precious cargo into her veins without cost. All the hard work. All the genius. All for mum. Because this ordinary lady is ultimately the most precious cargo in that whole chain. /4

Despite the huge cost – despite every piece of logistics and planning - she has received this priceless dose today because her life is ultimately the most precious thing of all. It is the expression of the value of a life as an end in itself. /5

This was the point of my book. This is the kindness of medical strangers that took my ancestors from destitution to prosperity. This is the wisdom and compassion on which the best of my country was forged. /6

This is the meaning of society. This is, still, our very best hope of survival as a species. Compassion as policy. Each other as ultimately the most valuable things. /7

My personal thanks to everyone who has helped bring this quiet miracle to my family today. Every medic, scientist, nurse and logistics expert. On behalf of my whole family – including those who went before me – thank you. In such hard times, today is a good, good day. xxx /end