Fiona Phillips 'touched' by public reaction to her Alzheimer's diagnosis news

05 July 2023 , 19:26
556     0
Fiona Phillips
Fiona Phillips 'touched' by public reaction to her Alzheimer's diagnosis news

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.

England star Joe Marler reflects on lowest point after fight with pregnant wife eiqkikridteinvEngland star Joe Marler reflects on lowest point after fight with pregnant wife
Fiona Phillips 'touched' by public reaction to her Alzheimer's diagnosis newsFiona'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.

'So fed up of tiresome pal flirting with my husband and always putting me down''So fed up of tiresome pal flirting with my husband and always putting me down'

"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."

Zoe Delaney

Alzheimer's disease, Mental health, GMTV, Fiona Phillips

Read more similar news:

01.02.2023, 18:00 • Crime
Drunk easyJet passenger groped female flight attendant and tried to trip another
01.02.2023, 18:22 • News
Headteacher says kids with no shoes or coats stealing food in 'broken' schools
01.02.2023, 18:58 • News
Boy, 10, saw neighbours swept to deaths in UK's worst storm that killed hundreds
01.02.2023, 21:50 • Crime
Family of great-great-gran, 83, killed by dog call for Bully breed to be banned
02.02.2023, 08:52 • Crime
They look and taste like sweets - no wonder underage vaping is sweeping Britain
02.02.2023, 11:48 • News
Mum shares harrowing photo and says son had anxiety attack over teacher strikes
02.02.2023, 16:03 • Crime
Dad 'changed his shirt' the night he is accused of shooting son and wife dead
02.02.2023, 18:27 • News
'Disabled people are too often falling off the radar and it's costing lives'
02.02.2023, 21:44 • World
'Oblivious rogue energy firms are cashing in on people's misery as profits soar'
03.02.2023, 14:29 • News
Chanelle Hayes posts tear-soaked selfies as she shares mental health battle