05 July 2023 , 19:26
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Fiona Phillips is "hugely touched" by the incredible outpouring of love and support following her devastating health admission.
The former GMTV presenter, 62, went public with her Alzheimer's disease diagnosis on Tuesday, sharing her story with the Mirror.
Lorraine Kelly was one of the first to share a message of support online for Fiona, with Piers Morgan and Susanna Reid also adding some kind words.
Eamonn Holmes, who hosted GMTV alongside Fiona for eight years, discussed his former co-star's heartbreaking diagnosis on GB News on Wednesday morning.
Following the reaction to her cruel health blow, Fiona has spoken out.
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Fiona's fans and famous friends have been publicly showing their support (Daily Mirror)"She is of course hugely touched by the outpouring of support that she’s received at this extremely difficult time," a representative for the TV presenter told the PA news agency.
Fiona received her diagnosis last year, after previously thinking the brain fog and anxiety she was suffering from was linked to the menopause. Her parents, grandparents and uncle all battled the disease too.
Speaking to the Mirror's Alison Phillips, Fiona said: "This disease has ravaged my family and now it has come for me. And all over the country there are people of all different ages whose lives are being affected by it - it’s heartbreaking. I just hope I can help find a cure which might make things better for others in the future."
She added: "It’s something I might have thought I’d get at 80.
"But I was still only 61 years old.
"I felt more angry than anything else because this disease has already impacted my life in so many ways; my poor mum was crippled with it, then my dad, my grandparents, my uncle. It just keeps coming back for us."
Fiona is taking part in a clinical trial which has a new drug that could slow the effects of the disease. Her husband Martin Frizell, editor of This Morning, said University College Hospital in London could be giving her "the real drug or a placebo."
"It’s been weeks now and I like to think her condition is stabilising but I am too close to know really, that could just be my wishful thinking," he shared.
Following Fiona's interview being published on Tuesday night, Hilary Evans, chief executive of Alzheimer’s Research UK, said: "We’re sending our love and support to Fiona and her family following her announcement that she’s living with Alzheimer’s disease.
"It takes such courage to go public with a diagnosis and Fiona knows better than most just how much good that can do.
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"Awareness is vital and Fiona’s bravery will help untold people who are going through their own dementia journeys.
"Fiona’s been a friend of Alzheimer’s Research UK for well over a decade, and her support has shone such a valuable spotlight on the importance of research in overcoming the diseases that cause dementia.
"There are around 70,800 people with dementia in the UK who, like Fiona, are under 65, and we’re determined to find a cure to end the heartbreak it causes.
"And we’re so grateful to Fiona for standing with us in our mission."