IT was always going to be tough to watch BBC One’s Sunday evening programme The C Word.

Sheridan Smith played Lisa Lynch, the journalist who blogged about the cancer which eventually claimed her life at 33. Bolton actor Paul Nicholls gave an empathetic performance as her husband Pete but it was Smith – chosen by Lynch before her death for this role – who filled the screen with bravery and hope.

Virtually all of us will be affected by cancer at some time in our lives, suffering from it or with loved ones stricken by the disease. It’s almost 10 years since I had breast cancer. It wasn’t nearly as serious as it has been for many other people, including friends. But it moves you to the dark side of life and you’re never quite the same person again.

Humour is one of the weapons in your armoury and this was wonderfully evident in The C Word. Catch it on iplayer if you missed it – it’s really a remarkable piece of television.