Very early within the pandemic, anyone in my workplace mentioned, “Have you ever seen these voiceover movies of your Covid briefings that Janey Godley is doing? They’re actually, actually humorous.’” So I watched a few them and so they actually, actually have been.
Clearly, Covid was such a tough and darkish time for everyone, and for me as first minister, it was irritating, however after discovering out about Janey’s voiceovers, I bear in mind fairly rapidly stepping into this sort of sample: after I did the briefing day by day, half an hour later I’d go to see if Janey had posted something – she used to publish her movies rapidly – simply to elevate my spirits and cheer me up. They all the time made me snort.
Janey took the – excuse my language – piss out of me on many events, sure, however that’s par for the course. Any politician who will get po-faced about stuff like that – nicely, there’s one thing a bit flawed with them.
Within the darkest of occasions, Janey made individuals snort, however she additionally obtained public well being messages throughout to those that would by no means have watched me give a really sombre authorities briefing. And I’m conscious this will likely sound like hyperbole, however by making humorous and accessible movies that folks wished to observe, there’s little question in my thoughts that Janey could have helped save lives again then.
Take how she described the 2-metre rule in one among her voiceovers as two alsatians – abruptly individuals knew what was meant! I believe she most likely humanised me as nicely, which made my job simply that wee bit simpler, for which I’m grateful.
On the time, we began chatting away on-line, after which I noticed Janey at occasions after Covid had handed. I additionally interviewed her on the 2023 Aye Write competition in Glasgow, which was a stunning occasion, and the love within the room for her was completely palpable. As we walked on to the stage, there was this huge standing ovation, individuals cheering, and I may really feel her subsequent to me, getting a bit emotional about it. The factor is, Janey might be actually gallus – that’s a Glasgow phrase, which means brash and in your face – however she was additionally a mild human being. She knew she had a giant, loyal following, however I obtained the sense that night time, for the primary time, she realised, wow, these individuals really feel one thing for me.
I went to go to her within the hospice a few weeks earlier than she handed when she was very philosophical about being on the very finish of her life. Even in these circumstances, she was hysterically humorous. She had me in stitches from the minute I walked into the room to the minute I left. The braveness with which she confronted her most cancers analysis and significantly the ultimate phases of her life was unimaginable too. I’ve spoken to many individuals who took power from how open she was on-line, and the way a lot she shared. It’s not for everyone and many individuals understandably wouldn’t wish to try this, however that’s how she coped, and in doing that, I believe she helped numerous different individuals deal with related conditions.
She obtained an enormous quantity of abuse on-line too, numerous which was horrible, horrific – however she was decided to not let that drive her away from the general public sphere or cease her from doing the issues she beloved. That was additionally so empowering.
The day earlier than her funeral, there was an occasion in Edinburgh to have a good time her life, together with her coffin coming down the Royal Mile. A number of individuals got here out to applaud her, however I had one thing else in Edinburgh that afternoon, so couldn’t go. However as I used to be driving again to Glasgow that Friday, I pulled up at some site visitors lights, and there was a hearse in entrance of me. I believed, certainly it may be. And it was – it was Janey.
I stayed behind her hearse all the way in which again to Glasgow, having this hilarious dialog together with her in my head – I may simply hear her saying, you higher not be working your automotive into the again of me! It was simply happenstance, however for that to have occurred felt so particular. And the funeral service the subsequent day was beautiful, plenty of laughter and tears, however extra laughter than tears. Simply as she’d have wished.
