Latest news with #RememberWhen:MyLifewithAlzheimer's
Daily Record
22 minutes ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Record
Fiona Phillips' husband makes heartbreaking confession on wife's Alzheimer's
Fiona Phillips and her husband, Martin Frizzell, have candidly opened up about the former GMTV star's Alzheimer's condition which she was diagnosed with in 2023. 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.
Daily Mirror
3 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
Fiona Phillips' husband's devastating cancer confession amid Alzheimer's battle
Fiona Phillips and her husband, Martin Frizzell, have candidly opened up about the former GMTV star's Alzheimer's condition and Martin shared an honest admission Fiona Phillips was diagnosed with Alzheimer's in 2023 and now her husband has made a heartbreaking confession as they deal with the condition. Martin Frizzell, 65, has admitted he wishes the former GMTV star, 64, had "cancer instead". Martin, who has been married to Fiona for 28 years opened up in the couple's joint memoir titled Remember When: My Life with Alzheimer's. The release comes after Fiona has continued to be open about her condition following her diagnosis two years ago. And now, in an excerpt from the book, Martin's devastating confession was laid bare. "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 said when speaking of his wish she had been diagnosed with cancer instead. The excerpt, which was shared in the Mail, continued: "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 added that it felt as though the pair had been "left to cope alone" post diagnosis. He admits that since the diagnosis, he has took on tasks which he had once taken for granted. The pair have also hired a trained carer to help provide the best attention for the former TV star. Martin also stepped down from his ITV position in February to take care of Fiona. Martin explained how on bad days Fiona experiences moments of confusion which sees her demanding to see her parents who have sadly passed away. And Fiona also shared how she much she was struggling to accept the diagnosis in the beginning. In her own words, she said the challenges she faces are like "trying to chase a £5 note that's fallen out of your purse on a gusty day". She candidly said that it felt as though every time she had caught it, it blew out of reach once more. Speaking of why the couple decided to write the book, Fiona added: "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 the most common cause of dementia in the UK. Dementia is the name for a group of symptoms associated with an ongoing decline of brain functioning and it can affect memory, thinking skills and other mental abilities. Fiona had initially thought she was having menopause symptoms when she first started experiencing "brain fog and anxiety". Sadly, the star already had first hand experience of Alzheimer's having cared for her parents after both of them were also diagnosed with the condition.
Scottish Sun
14 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Scottish Sun
My husband thought I'd zoned out of our marriage & left the family home… but it was Alzheimer's, says Fiona Phillips
SHE had the dream job, a famous husband and two gorgeous sons – but behind closed doors, TV favourite Fiona Phillips was secretly crumbling. Best known for fronting GMTV for over a decade, the broadcaster was a breakfast telly icon with a glittering career and a huge smile. Advertisement 6 Fiona Phillips has opened up about her ongoing battle with Alzheimer's in a new book Credit: Camera Press 6 The star with Eammon Holmes on GMTV in the Noughties Credit: Rex 6 Fiona with her husband and now carer Martin, in 1998 Credit: Shutterstock Editorial But while she looked every inch the success story, her personal life was marred by tragedy and a devastating diagnosis that she did not see coming. Fiona, 64, revealed she was battling Alzheimer's in 2023 — the same cruel disease that claimed both her parents. The heartbreaking news made headlines, but the truth behind her journey is even more raw and emotional. In her new memoir, Remember When: My Life with Alzheimer's, Fiona lifts the lid on her private pain and the devastating toll it took on her marriage to former editor of ITV's This Morning, Martin Frizell, 65. Advertisement Martin also shares his side of the story in the book, which they wrote together. And he makes the brutally honest admission that he wished his wife had been diagnosed with cancer instead, calling Alzheimer's a 'cruel, drawn-out torture' that has turned their world upside down. Martin has now stepped back from work to care for his wife full-time. 'Left to cope alone' The pair, married for 28 years, have chosen to speak out to raise awareness of dementia, which an estimated 982,000 people live with in the UK. Advertisement Being brutally honest, I wish Fiona had cancer instead. It's a shocking thing to say but at least then she might have had a chance of a cure. Martin They want to highlight that it is not just a condition that affects the elderly, and how the level of care is severely lacking. Martin writes: 'Being brutally honest, I wish Fiona had contracted cancer instead. Fiona Phillips reveals her heartache as she's diagnosed with Alzheimer's '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. 'But that's not there for Alzheimer's. Advertisement 'Just like there are no funny or inspiring TikTok videos or fashion shoots with smiling, healthy, in-remission survivors.' He goes on: 'After someone is diagnosed with Alzheimer's, they are pretty much left to their own devices. 'There is nothing more that can be done and you are left to cope alone.' Back in January 1997, Fiona felt like the 'luckiest woman alive' when she landed the job of a lifetime as lead presenter on GMTV. Advertisement But behind the scenes, it was pressure-cooker stuff — 4am starts, non-stop stress and a producer 'barking' in her earpiece. At home, life was just as intense. With two young sons, Nathanial and Mackenzie, plus a weekly newspaper column, radio show and endless TV gigs, she was 'running on empty'. Weekends were spent away in Haverfordwest, Pembrokeshire, caring for her mum Amy, who was slowly slipping away due to Alzheimer's and died in 2006. Advertisement Soon after losing his wife, her dad Phil was diagnosed with the same illness. Fiona previously said the drive from London to Wales every other weekend with the two boys strapped in the backseat 'nearly cracked me up'. She left GMTV in December 2008 — reportedly midway through a £1.5million contract, which cost her £500,000 — to spend more time with her family. Fiona admitted back then that the decision was the 'hardest I have ever had to make — like jumping off a cliff and hoping someone will save me halfway down',. Advertisement But she revealed she had 'finally discovered that I can't have it all' and felt like she was 'dropping balls' all over the place. While Fiona finally had more time to dedicate to Martin and the boys, her career never quite recovered. She took on bits and pieces of work — including a stint on Strictly Come Dancing in 2005 and presenting a Channel 4 documentary titled Mum, Dad, Alzheimer's and Me in 2009. But Fiona admitted she never felt 'completely right' and became 'disconnected' from her family. Advertisement Meanwhile, she was starting to struggle with mood swings, erratic behaviour and an inability to complete everyday tasks, such as going to the bank. 6 Fiona with her dad Phil, who died in 2012 after battling Alzheimer's Credit: Channel 4 6 Martin said he wished his wife had been diagnosed with cancer, because at least there was hope of a cure for sufferers Credit: Getty Things came to a head with Martin in 2021 and he moved out of the family home, accusing her of 'zoning out' of their marriage. Advertisement After three weeks apart, the couple met at a hotel and agreed they wanted to stay together — but things had to change. Fiona had initially suspected the exhaustion, anxiety and brain fog she had been battling was a side effect of Long Covid. She contracted the virus in 2020. But by then, Fiona was wondering if her symptoms were down to menopause. Martin urged her to talk to telly doctor Dr Louise Newson, who specialised in menopause and recommended a course of hormone replacement therapy (HRT). Advertisement But after several months of seeing little change, Dr Newson recommended she was properly assessed. In 2022, a consultant broke the heartbreaking news to the couple that Fiona, then 61, had early onset Alzheimer's. It's something I might have thought I'd get at 80…but I was still only 61. My poor mum was crippled with it, then my dad. It keeps coming back for us. Fiona Fiona had secretly feared that one day it would come for her, too, after it 'decimated' her family. But the news still came as a shock. Advertisement Writing in her book, she recalls: 'Neither of us said a word. 'We sat rigid, locked in suspended animation between everything our lives had been before this moment and everything they would become beyond it.' She previously told the Mirror: 'It's something I might have thought I'd get at 80 . . . but I was still only 61 years old. "My poor mum was crippled with it, then my dad, my grandparents, my uncle. It just keeps coming back for us.' Advertisement Fiona and Martin kept her diagnosis quiet for a year, as she hated the idea of becoming 'an object of gossip or even pity'. 'Horrible secret' Gradually, the couple began to feel they should tell more people, so Fiona would be understood and not judged if she began behaving strangely. Realising the impact she could have by raising awareness of the disease's symptoms, the star decided to go public in July 2023. Fiona characteristically insisted she was 'getting on with it', adding of her illness: 'I'm not taking notice of it. Advertisement 'I'm just doing what I normally do. 'I don't want to not work, be sitting around playing with my fingers or watching telly. 'I just like doing things.' She told the Mirror: 'All over the country, there are people of all different ages whose lives are being affected by it — it's heartbreaking. Advertisement 'I just hope I can help find a cure which might make things better for others in the future . . . it's a horrible bloody secret to divulge.' While there is no cure for Alzheimer's, Fiona is currently taking drugs to slow the illness's progression. She also joined a trial programme for a drug called Miridesap at University College Hospital in London, in a bid to slow the effects of the disease. But Fiona now needs a lot of help with everyday tasks including showering, brushing her teeth and getting dressed. Advertisement Martin said his wife is 'existing', unable to remember 'anything from 30 seconds ago', and she 'can't think about or imagine a future'. At times, she becomes distressed and confused, shouting at him that he isn't her husband. It is something he finds difficult, but understands that the illness has 'taken her mind'. Martin admitted the journey is an exhausting and lonely one, writing that it breaks his heart to see his 'strong, independent wife has become so vulnerable'. Advertisement He adds: 'I'd like to tell you Fiona is content in the situation into which she has been forced. 'I'd like to give readers some sense that she is at peace. 'But that wouldn't be the truth. 'She isn't — she is frustrated every single day. And depressed. Advertisement 'I miss her. I miss my wife.' Remember When: My Life With Alzheimer's by Fiona Phillips (Macmillan, £22), is out July 17. 6 Fiona left GMTV in December 2008 — reportedly midway through a £1.5million contract, which cost her £500,000 — to spend more time with her family Credit: PA:Press Association Unlock even more award-winning articles as The Sun launches brand new membership programme - Sun Club.
The Irish Sun
14 hours ago
- Entertainment
- The Irish Sun
My husband thought I'd zoned out of our marriage & left the family home… but it was Alzheimer's, says Fiona Phillips
SHE had the dream job, a famous husband and two gorgeous sons – but behind closed doors, TV favourite Fiona Phillips was secretly crumbling. Best known for fronting GMTV for over a decade, the broadcaster was a breakfast telly icon with a glittering career and a huge smile. 6 Fiona Phillips has opened up about her ongoing battle with Alzheimer's in a new book Credit: Camera Press 6 The star with Eammon Holmes on GMTV in the Noughties Credit: Rex 6 Fiona with her husband and now carer Martin, in 1998 Credit: Shutterstock Editorial But while she looked every inch the success story, her personal life was marred by tragedy and a devastating diagnosis that she did not see coming. Fiona, 64, revealed she was battling Alzheimer's in 2023 — the same cruel disease that claimed both her parents. The heartbreaking news made headlines, but the truth behind her journey is even more raw and emotional. In her new memoir, Remember When: My Life with Alzheimer's, Fiona lifts the lid on her private pain and the devastating toll it took on her marriage to former editor of ITV's This Morning, Martin Frizell, 65. READ MORE ON FIONA PHILLIPS Martin also shares his side of the story in the book, which they wrote together. And he makes the brutally honest admission that he wished his wife had been diagnosed with cancer instead, calling Alzheimer's a 'cruel, drawn-out torture' that has turned their world upside down. Martin has now stepped back from work to care for his wife full-time. 'Left to cope alone' The pair, married for 28 years, have Most read in Celebrity Being brutally honest, I wish Fiona had cancer instead. It's a shocking thing to say but at least then she might have had a chance of a cure. Martin They want to highlight that it is not just a condition that affects the elderly, and how the level of care is severely lacking. Martin writes: 'Being brutally honest, I wish Fiona had contracted cancer instead. Fiona Phillips reveals her heartache as she's diagnosed with Alzheimer's '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. '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.' He goes on: 'After someone is diagnosed with Alzheimer's, they are pretty much left to their own devices. 'There is nothing more that can be done and you are left to cope alone.' Back in January 1997, Fiona felt like the 'luckiest woman alive' when she landed the job of a lifetime as lead presenter on GMTV. But behind the scenes, it was pressure-cooker stuff — 4am starts, non-stop stress and a producer 'barking' in her earpiece. At home, life was just as intense. With two young sons, Nathanial and Mackenzie, plus a weekly newspaper column, radio show and endless TV gigs, she was 'running on empty'. Weekends were spent away in Haverfordwest, Pembrokeshire, Soon after losing his wife, her dad Phil was diagnosed with the same illness. Fiona previously said the drive from London to Wales every other weekend with the two boys strapped in the backseat 'nearly cracked me up'. She left GMTV in December 2008 — reportedly midway through a £1.5million contract, which cost her £500,000 — to spend more time with her family. Fiona admitted back then that the decision was the 'hardest I have ever had to make — like jumping off a cliff and hoping someone will save me halfway down',. But she revealed she had 'finally discovered that I can't have it all' and felt like she was 'dropping balls' all over the place. While Fiona finally had more time to dedicate to Martin and the boys, her career never quite recovered. She took on bits and pieces of work — including a stint on Strictly Come Dancing in 2005 and presenting a Channel 4 documentary titled Mum, Dad, Alzheimer's and Me in 2009. But Meanwhile, she was starting to struggle with mood swings, erratic behaviour and an inability to complete everyday tasks, such as going to the bank. 6 Fiona with her dad Phil, who died in 2012 after battling Alzheimer's Credit: Channel 4 6 Martin said he wished his wife had been diagnosed with cancer, because at least there was hope of a cure for sufferers Credit: Getty Things came to a head with Martin in 2021 and he moved out of the family home, accusing her of 'zoning out' of their marriage. After three weeks apart, the couple met at a hotel and agreed they wanted to stay together — but things had to change. Fiona had initially suspected the exhaustion, But by then, Fiona was wondering if her symptoms were down to menopause. Martin urged her to talk to telly doctor Dr Louise Newson, who specialised in menopause and recommended a course of hormone replacement therapy (HRT). But after several months of seeing little change, Dr Newson recommended she was properly assessed. In 2022, a consultant broke the heartbreaking news to the couple that Fiona, then 61, had early onset Alzheimer's. It's something I might have thought I'd get at 80…but I was still only 61. My poor mum was crippled with it, then my dad. It keeps coming back for us. Fiona Fiona had secretly feared that one day it would come for her, too, after it 'decimated' her family. But the news still came as a shock. Writing in her book, she recalls: 'Neither of us said a word. 'We sat rigid, locked in suspended animation between everything our lives had been before this moment and everything they would become beyond it.' She previously told the Mirror: 'It's something I might have thought I'd get at 80 . . . but I was still only 61 years old. "My poor mum was crippled with it, then my dad, my grandparents, my uncle. It just keeps coming back for us.' Fiona and Martin kept her diagnosis quiet for a year, as she hated the idea of becoming 'an object of gossip or even pity'. 'Horrible secret' Gradually, the couple began to feel they should tell more people, so Fiona would be understood and not judged if she began behaving strangely. Realising the impact she could have by raising awareness of the disease's symptoms, Fiona characteristically insisted she was 'getting on with it', adding of her illness: 'I'm not taking notice of it. 'I'm just doing what I normally do. 'I don't want to not work, be sitting around playing with my fingers or watching telly. 'I just like doing things.' She told the Mirror: '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 . . . it's a horrible bloody secret to divulge.' While there is no cure for Alzheimer's, Fiona is currently taking drugs to slow the illness's progression. She also joined a trial programme for a drug called Miridesap at University College Hospital in London, in a bid to slow the effects of the disease. But Fiona now needs a lot of help with everyday tasks including showering, brushing her teeth and getting dressed. At times, she becomes distressed and confused, shouting at him that he isn't her husband. It is something he finds difficult, but understands that the illness has 'taken her mind'. Martin admitted the journey is an exhausting and lonely one, writing that it breaks his heart to see his 'strong, independent wife has become so vulnerable'. He adds: 'I'd like to tell you Fiona is content in the situation into which she has been forced. 'I'd like to give readers some sense that she is at peace. 'But that wouldn't be the truth. 'She isn't — she is frustrated every single day. And depressed. 'I miss her. I miss my wife.' Remember When: My Life With Alzheimer's by Fiona Phillips (Macmillan, £22), is out July 17. 6 Fiona left GMTV in December 2008 — reportedly midway through a £1.5million contract, which cost her £500,000 — to spend more time with her family Credit: PA:Press Association Unlock even more award-winning articles as The Sun launches brand new membership programme - Sun Club.
Metro
a day ago
- Entertainment
- Metro
Fiona Phillips' heartbreaking Alzheimer's claim after husband's cancer 'wish'
Fiona Phillips has opened up about the debilitating impact of her Alzheimer's as her husband reflected on his wish for her to have 'cancer instead'. The TV presenter, 64, has been candid about her experience with the memory disease since revealing her diagnosis in July 2023. Two years on, Phillips and her husband of 28 years, Martin Frizell, 65, have shared the ins and outs of their life now (and how much it has transformed) in a new memoir, Remember When: My Life with Alzheimer's. Frizell offered a 'brutally honest' admission, explaining that he wished she had been diagnosed with cancer instead, in an excerpt included in the Daily Mail. He added: '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. '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,' he reflected, adding that post-diagnosis you are just 'left to cope alone'. Frizell has now taken on the responsibility of day-to-day life from paying bills to household chores which he used to 'take for granted' and brought on board a trained carer to help alleviate some of the intensity from him and their 23-year-old son MacKenzie. He explained that as of January 2025, he helps Phillips 'brush her teeth and shower' and dress herself. As well as eating and drinking. There have been days when she has demanded to see her late parents in moments of 'extreme confusion',, Frizell shared. Elsewhere in the book, the former GMTV host also shared her own perspective on her deterioration and the difficulties she has faced in accepting it. She admitted that she finds discussing her life now 'agonisingly difficult'. 'Sometimes I get halfway through a sentence and I can't remember where I was heading with it or the word I was looking for. It feels awful,' she said, comparing her condition to 'trying to chase a £5 note that's fallen out of your purse on a gusty day'. The couple decided to start telling their friends and family about her Alzheimer's to explain any 'unusual behaviour', something Phillips hadn't thought she did. Early-onset Alzheimer's is also known as young-onset dementia or younger-onset Alzheimer's. It is the label given to anyone who receives a diagnosis before they turn 65. According to Alzheimer's Research UK, an estimated 70,800 people with dementia in the UK have young onset, and Alzheimer's disease accounts for around one in three cases of young onset dementia. It is thought at least five in every 100 people with Alzheimer's are under 65, however the figure may be higher. According to the NHS, the symptoms of Alzheimer's can begin with usually minor memory problems, but can develop into: confusion, disorientation and getting lost in familiar places difficulty planning or making decisions problems with speech and language problems moving around without assistance or performing self-care tasks personality changes, such as becoming aggressive, demanding and suspicious of others hallucinations (seeing or hearing things that are not there) and delusions (believing things that are untrue) low mood or anxiety 'But he and the doctors, who I was constantly backwards and forwards to see, would say that I kept repeating myself and that sometimes I forgot what I was doing or where I was going. 'The strange thing was I had no awareness of that,' she said. In November 2024, Frizell announced he was stepping down as editor of ITV's This Morning after more than a decade in order to support in wife. More Trending At the time, he wrote: 'Next year I'm expecting my family priorities to change, so I need to free up time for them.' Meanwhile, Phillips, who lost her mother to Alzheimer's aged 74 in 2006, has previously spoken about her worry as to how people will 'perceive' her. 'There is still an issue with this disease that the public thinks of old people, bending over a stick, talking to themselves. View More » 'But I'm still here, getting out and about, meeting friends for coffee, going for dinner with Martin, and walking every day,' she told The Mirror. Got a story? If you've got a celebrity story, video or pictures get in touch with the entertainment team by emailing us celebtips@ calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff page – we'd love to hear from you.
