Jo and Harry’s Story

This week sees the launch of a powerful new feature film, Mary and Martha. The creation of Richard Curtis, best known for great comedies like Blackadder, it’s the story of two mothers brought together by the shared personal tragedy of malaria. It’s to be broadcast on BBC1 on Friday 1st March at 8.30 pm.

But behind this extraordinary film is an extraordinary real-life story. I talked to Jo Yirrell, the inspiration for the part of the mother played by Brenda Blethyn in the film, who has gone through family tragedy to become an ambassador for change with Malaria No More UK.