'It ravaged my family -now it's come for me'
New UK|July 17, 2023
After her heartbreaking diagnosis at the age of 62, TV presenter Fiona Phillips vows to battle on as she joins clinical search for an Alzheimer’s cure
ZARA ZUBEIDI
'It ravaged my family -now it's come for me'

TV presenter Fiona Phillips has revealed her worst fear has become a reality as she opened up about her 18-month battle with Alzheimer’s disease last week. The 62-year-old journalist said she had been given the diagnosis after suffering from brain fog and anxiety.

But Fiona, who for months kept her illness a secret from sons, Nathaniel, 24, and Mackenzie, 21, insists she won’t “just lie down and accept” the diagnosis, and hopes to help find a cure.

Her mother, father, uncle and grandparents all suffered from Alzheimer’s, and Fiona has always feared getting it, too. But she was shocked to get the diagnosis so young.

“This disease has ravaged my family and now it has come for me,“ she said. “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.”

Initially, doctors thought her symptoms were related to the menopause, but after tests, she and husband Martin Frizell – editor of ITV’s This Morning – were given the news they dreaded. Fiona said, “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.”

Fiona told her sons about the diagnosis only recently, before going pubic with the story.

Denne historien er fra July 17, 2023-utgaven av New UK.

Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.

Denne historien er fra July 17, 2023-utgaven av New UK.

Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.

FLERE HISTORIER FRA NEW UKSe alt
'SECRETS DON'T STAY BURIED'
New UK

'SECRETS DON'T STAY BURIED'

Bad Sisters returns for a second series with the Garvey siblings in the spotlight again after the dismembered body of JP's father turns up

time-read
3 mins  |
November 11, 2024
'I WAS KISSING HIM AND RUBBING HIS BELLY!'
New UK

'I WAS KISSING HIM AND RUBBING HIS BELLY!'

Interior Design Masters host Alan Carr chats about meeting Pudsey Bear, Simon Cowell's toilet paper and his own dubious home purchases

time-read
3 mins  |
November 11, 2024
EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT VAPING
New UK

EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT VAPING

E-cigarettes have never been more popular, but vaping isn't as risk-free as people might think it is

time-read
4 mins  |
November 11, 2024
Teen murders mum then lures stepdad home to shoot him too
New UK

Teen murders mum then lures stepdad home to shoot him too

Carly Gregg fired her mum's gun as she searched her bedroom for drugs

time-read
4 mins  |
November 11, 2024
'I took one huge gasp and ran in'
New UK

'I took one huge gasp and ran in'

Lifesaver Emily Greenwood tells new how she rescued two people swept out to sea

time-read
4 mins  |
November 11, 2024
'Clair's married to the biggest fool'
New UK

'Clair's married to the biggest fool'

James and Clair Buckley on having fun at home and their hilarious new podcast

time-read
4 mins  |
November 11, 2024
Louise set for best year yet
New UK

Louise set for best year yet

As loved-up pop star Louise Redknapp celebrates her 50th birthday, a source tells new that marriage 'could be on the cards'

time-read
4 mins  |
November 11, 2024
'Surprisingly, I quite like the muscle aches'
New UK

'Surprisingly, I quite like the muscle aches'

Jamie Borthwick reveals how he juggles filming for EastEnders alongside long rehearsal days on Strictly

time-read
3 mins  |
November 11, 2024
It's been on my vision board - I've loved it'
New UK

It's been on my vision board - I've loved it'

Reality star Molly Smith on manifesting her new lingerie campaign and setting up home with boyfriend Tom Clare

time-read
4 mins  |
November 11, 2024
Chloe is ready to 'find happiness'
New UK

Chloe is ready to 'find happiness'

After her turbulent split from James Haskell, Chloe Madeley is learning to love herself again, a source tells new

time-read
3 mins  |
November 11, 2024