Desert Island Discs

Donna Ockenden is a former clinical midwife who led the Ockenden Review which revealed, at the time, the biggest maternity scandal in NHS history. Published in 2022, the review highlighted serious failings in maternity care at the Shrewsbury and Telford Hospital NHS Trust which contributed to the deaths of more than 200 babies and nine mothers.Donna grew up in the village of Aberaman in the Welsh Valleys. She experienced a complicated childhood which included a period living in a homeless shelter along with her mother and four siblings. She is also a survivor of sexual abuse and believes her background helped her develop a tenacity and determination which she went on to apply to her work.She completed her nursing training in Swansea and Neath and trained as a midwife at the Portsmouth School of Midwifery. In 2015 she became Senior Midwifery Adviser to the Chief Executive of the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC). In May 2022 she was appointed chair of the independent review into maternity services at Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust which will be published next year. It is already the largest investigation into a single service in the NHS, hearing evidence from over 2,000 families so far.Donna lives in Chichester with her two cats.Details of organisations offering information and support with child sexual abuse or child bereavement are available at bbc.co.uk/actionline.DISC ONE: We’ve Only Just Begun - The Carpenters DISC TWO: Bye Bye Baby - Bay City Rollers DISC THREE: Ukulele Lady - Ethel Merman DISC FOUR: Isn’t It Amazing - Hothouse Flowers DISC FIVE: If Only - Hazel O’Connor DISC SIX: I Can See Clearly Now - Hothouse Flowers DISC SEVEN: We’ll Keep a Welcome - Harry Secombe DISC EIGHT: Francesca - Hozier BOOK CHOICE: Jane Eyre by Charlotte Brontë LUXURY ITEM: Red lipstick CASTAWAY'S FAVOURITE: I Can See Clearly Now - Hothouse FlowersPresenter Lauren Laverne Producer Paula McGinley

Carl Jones, a conservation biologist renowned for rescuing the Mauritius kestrel from extinction, shares his extraordinary journey. He discusses his innovative breeding methods that brought the kestrel back from the brink, along with touching stories about his bond with Andean condors. Jones reflects on how childhood memories sparked his passion for wildlife and explores the emotional challenges of conservation. He also emphasizes the importance of biodiversity and his role in restoring ecosystems, including introducing giant tortoises to Mauritius.

Cyndi Lauper, the iconic singer-songwriter known for her vibrant style and activism, shares her journey from a challenging childhood in New York to music stardom. She discusses the profound impact of her mother on her love for music and reveals funny anecdotes from her early career struggles, including a near year-long loss of her voice. Lauper highlights the empowering significance of her song 'True Colors' during the AIDS crisis and reflects on the evolution of women's roles in the music industry, celebrating the resilience of young female artists.

William Boyd, an award-winning author renowned for his 'whole life' novels, shares his fascinating journey from his childhood in Ghana to becoming a celebrated writer. He discusses the impact of his early experiences on his storytelling and the role humor plays in his writing. Boyd reminisces about his serendipitous meeting with his wife and offers insights into his creative process, including the significance of envisioning endings. He also reflects on his admiration for Brahms, blending music with literary inspiration and personal memories.

In this engaging discussion, Sir Jony Ive, the visionary designer behind Apple's iconic products, shares insights from his remarkable journey in design. He reflects on childhood experiences that shaped his creativity and craftsmanship. Jony highlights the emotional bonds built with Steve Jobs while creating the iMac, and discusses the dual nature of innovation in technology. He also connects personal moments to U2's music, illustrating how it resonates with his life's milestones. Throughout, he emphasizes the deep relationship between design, people, and their experiences.

Wilhelmina – Mina – Smallman is an activist who campaigns for the safety of women and girls and police reform. She is a former teacher and priest who was the first woman of colour to be an archdeacon in the Church of England.In 2020 her daughters Bibaa and Nicole were murdered as they celebrated Bibaa’s 46th birthday in Fryent Country Park. It later came to light that two policemen, who were guarding the crime scene, had posed for and posted selfies with Bibaa and Nicole’s bodies in the background. They were later jailed for misconduct. When friends first reported her daughters missing the police didn’t launch an official search for them and it was their loved ones who eventually found Bibaa and Nicole. Mina’s anger at the failings of the Metropolitan Police, led her to start her fight for justice. In 2021 an Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) report, highlighted the Met’s failings and advised the force to apologise to Mina and her family.Mina was brought up in London. She was a drama teacher for over 20 years before training for the priesthood. She was ordained in 2006 and took up her first job as vicar at Christ Church on the Thames View estate in Barking. In 2013 she was appointed the first woman archdeacon of Southend in the Diocese of Chelmsford. She retired as an archdeacon in 2016. DISC ONE: Silly Games – Janet Kay DISC TWO: Handel: Messiah, HWV 56 / Pt. 3 - 43. Air: I know that my Redeemer liveth Performed by Dame Joan Sutherland (Soprano), London Symphony Orchestra, conducted by Sir Adrian Boult DISC THREE: Easy Terms - Barbara Dickson DISC FOUR: Amazing Grace - The Pipes And Drums Of The Military Band Of The Royal Scots Dragoon DISC FIVE: We Are The World - USA for Africa DISC SIX: Miss Independent - Ne-Yo DISC SEVEN: Hit Me With Your Rhythm Stick - Ian Dury and the Blockheads DISC EIGHT: I Look To You - Whitney Houston BOOK CHOICE: Woman in White by Wilkie Collins LUXURY ITEM: Hair moisturiser CASTAWAY'S FAVOURITE: I Look To You - Whitney Houston Presenter Lauren Laverne Producer Paula McGinley

Stephen Mangan is an award winning actor who is also a presenter and writer. His prolific career includes comedic roles in TV hits Green Wing; Episodes and Adrian Mole. He also plays the much loved Nathan in BBC drama The Split and has appeared in many award winning theatre productions in the UK and on Broadway.Born in London to Irish immigrant parents, Stephen studied Law at Cambridge University. His passion though was for acting and after taking time out to care for his mother, he spent three years at RADA before pursuing a successful career on stage, screen and film. Stephen lives in London with his wife and three sons.DISC ONE: King of the Road - Roger Miller DISC TWO: I Recall A Gypsy Woman - Don Williams DISC THREE: Beautiful Boy (Darling Boy) - John Lennon DISC FOUR: Who Knows Where the Time Goes - Fairport Convention DISC FIVE: Stayin Alive - Bee Gees DISC SIX: Ravel: Piano Concerto in G Major, M. 83: II. Adagio assai. Composed by Maurice Ravel and performed by Martha Argerich (piano) and Berliner Philharmoniker, conducted by Claudio Abbado DISC SEVEN: Rhapsody in Blue. Composed by George Gershwin and performed by New York Philharmonic, conducted by Zubin Mehta DISC EIGHT: (Your Love Keeps Lifting Me) Higher And Higher - Jackie Wilson BOOK CHOICE: Collected Works of Seamus Heaney LUXURY ITEM: A piano CASTAWAY'S FAVOURITE: Stayin Alive - Bee Gees Presenter: Lauren Laverne Producer: Sarah Taylor

Nemone Lethbridge, a pioneering barrister and writer, recounts her trailblazing journey in the male-dominated legal profession since 1956. She shares stories of early struggles, including having to use public facilities, and her unusual representation of the Kray twins. At 92, she passionately advocates for justice, discussing complex cases while reflecting on personal trauma and societal expectations. Her experiences also intertwine with her creative pursuits, including writing in Greece with her husband, a former convict, emphasizing resilience and the pursuit of justice.

In this engaging conversation, Nick Cave, a renowned singer and writer known for his intense music with Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds, reflects on his artistic journey and the themes of loss and hope in his work. He shares the emotional complexities of songwriting, revealing how personal struggles fuel creativity. Cave also delves into his experiences with grief following the loss of his sons, the transformative power of addiction, and the importance of community in art. The light-hearted segment about his desert island favorites adds a delightful twist!

Harriet Wistrich, a notable human rights lawyer, shares her inspiring journey from filmmaker to legal advocate for women. She discusses her landmark victories, including representing women who killed their abusers. The conversation addresses systemic failures in protecting victims of violence and the emotional weight of cases like that of John Warboys. Harriet reflects on her upbringing and influences, while also highlighting the role of music in advocacy. She humorously imagines life on a desert island, paired with her love for white wine and literature.