Fiona Phillips' husband makes heartbreaking confession on wife's Alzheimer's
Fiona Phillips received the devastating news of her Alzheimer's diagnosis back in 2023. The former GMTV star and her husband have now shared a candid admission as they navigate life with their new normal.
Martin Frizzell, 65, shockingly revealed he sometimes wishes Fiona, 64, had "cancer instead". The couple who have been married for 28 years, have penned a memoir together, titled Remember When: My Life with Alzheimer's.
The book as reported by the Mirror, follows Fiona's candidness about her condition. In a heart-wrenching extract, Martin's raw feelings are exposed. "It's a shocking thing to say, but at least then she might have had a chance of a cure, and certainly would have had a treatment pathway and an array of support and care packages," he expressed, lamenting the lack of options compared to if she had cancer.
This passage, highlighted in the Mail, goes on to reveal Martin's frustration with the absence of resources for Alzheimer's, unlike the more visible support for other illnesses. "But that's not there for Alzheimer's. Just like there are no funny or inspiring TikTok videos or fashion shoots with smiling, healthy, in-remission survivors."
Martin disclosed how the diagnosis has left them feeling isolated in their struggle. He has found himself taking over responsibilities he previously overlooked and the couple has enlisted a professional carer to assist with Fiona's needs.
In a significant life change, Martin resigned from his role at ITV in February to dedicate himself to Fiona's care. Martin revealed that on difficult days, Fiona often becomes confused, to the point where she asks to see her late parents.
Fiona herself expressed how tough it was to come to terms with her diagnosis at first. In her own poignant words, Fiona likened her daily struggles to "trying to chase a £5 note that's fallen out of your purse on a gusty day".
She confessed that just as she thought she'd grasped it, the note would fly out of reach again. The reason behind penning their book, Fiona articulated: "Gradually, Martin and I thought maybe I should start telling more people. Martin felt that if more people knew what was happening to me then they wouldn't judge me if I did ever start behaving unusually – not that I thought I did. It was hardly like I was going down the street half-clothed, yelling at people."
According to the NHS, Alzheimer's disease is identified as the prevalent cause of dementia within the UK, encompassing a range of symptoms linked to the progressive impairment of brain function, which impacts memory, cognitive skills, and other mental capabilities.
Initially, Fiona had mistaken her initial signs of "brain fog and anxiety" for menopause-related symptoms. Tragically, Fiona had previously encountered Alzheimer's up close, having nursed her own parents who both received similar diagnoses.
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