Fiona Phillips has given her first interview after confirming her Alzheimer’s diagnosis, in which she expresses gratitude to the people for their support.
The GMTV host disclosed earlier this week that she had been diagnosed with the disease, which has a lengthy history in her family since both of her parents died from it.
Fiona, 62, even withheld the illness from her two adult kids for as long as she could for fear of them mistreating her.
The ITV presenter has now said that she was concerned that people would label her as a “batty old woman” if she revealed the devastating news.
The journalist told The Mirror about her reaction to the outpouring of affection she’s received.
‘Everyone has been very nice to me. ‘Because I was afraid to tell anyone that I have this terrible condition,’ she explained.
‘I was worried that people would be gazing at me, muttering about me, or dismissing me as a crazy old lady.
‘However, there has been extraordinary generosity. And so many people have informed me about how Alzheimer’s has affected their families, just as it did mine, and it helps them feel a little less alone.’
Fiona, who is married to This Morning CEO Martin Frizell, went on to recollect meetings with individuals from decades ago and expressed gratitude that they had come out to her in recent weeks to wish her well.
One letter came from a fan who met her at a TV studio while working as a bodyguard for Wayne Rooney, who is now in “the same stage of Alzheimer’s as she is.”
‘I recall him. ‘How thoughtful of him to write,’ Fiona replied.
Fiona’s recent memories are more difficult for her to recollect, despite her good long-term memory.
She attempted to recall how she felt the first time she saw her photo and narrative in the newspaper.
Fiona acknowledged she “didn’t pay much attention” when her Alzheimer’s disease manifested as cognitive fog and worry.
But one thing is certain: she does not want to be pitied.
Fiona added: ‘I’m not brave. I’ve just got to get on with it.
‘I mean, what’s the alternative, to lie down and give up?’
She, too, was hesitant to make a major statement, but it was her other half that urged her to do it.
‘I didn’t want to make a big thing about it. But then Martin said, “Do you want to embrace this and what is happening to you… or do you want to hide away?” And I didn’t want to hide away. I want to go out and I want to work.’
More information about Alzheimer’s disease
More information about Alzheimer’s disease and dementia can be found at the Alzheimer’s Society website: alzheimers.org.uk.
You can contact their support line on 0333 150 3456.
Source My Celebrity Life.
