In the Spotlight

with NSPCC chief executive Mary Marsh

What three words best describe you?
Driven, smiling,  resilient.

If you were stuck on a desert island, and could take one person and one object, who and what would they be?
First thought is one of my four sons but that would be unfair on them – it needs to be someone who can tell good stories. The object would be a photograph of all of them and my granddaughter.

Who inspires you and why?
Nelson Mandela. He says the most profound things with huge simplicity and he has great patience and compassion.

What is your favourite place in the world?
The summit of Bowfell in the Lake District on a beautiful day or the Isle of Portland in Dorset in a storm.

Which celebrity would you want to play the role of you in a film about your life?
Dame Judi Dench. I was at university in Nottingham when she was treading the boards in the 60s in rep. We loved her then.

What was the last CD you bought?
Baroque Adagios.

If you were on death row, what would be your last meal?
Tropical fruit

What is your favourite film of all time?
Un Homme et Une Femme.

What is the best present you have ever been given?
Special thank you necklace from my youngest son but also other pieces of jewellery from my older three sons too.

If you could do any job in the world, what would it be?
Chief executive at the NSPCC has to be the best but if not this it would be working with NGOs internationally, to help share best practice.