ABC feature: James Valentine on the year of living gratefully

ABCnews have published a story, coinciding with the Australian Story episode, on James Valentine's year of living gratefully.

James Valentine knew he was dying but he knew something else with equal clarity: he didn't want to die angry.

The radio presenter and jazz saxophonist who surrounded himself with music, laughter and good times throughout his life knew that a Dylan Thomas-style "rage against the dying of the light" was not for him.

"I don't want my last days to be angry," Valentine, 64, said in his final interview with Australian Story in February.

"Can't my last days be happy? If these are my last months, I want them full of joy. I want them full of friendship and love and happiness. That's what I've lived for. So, I don't want that to stop."