Terry Prone: Why are female vaccine heroes under pressure to seem relatable?

Women should be able to write about their success with the straightforward pride a man would bring to the situation, writes Terry Prone.

Professor Sarah Gilbert holding a Barbie doll of herself in honour of the Oxford vaccine co-creator. Picture: Andy Paradise/Mattel/PA Wire

Most new parents set out to prove their own parents wrong on as many fronts as possible.

Breast-feeding will happen even if a granny’s lip curls at the very idea. Not a hand is ever to be raised to their child or children. Neither parent will ever swear or shout in the children’s hearing.