Pete 'We're cherishing every moment with Mum'

Singer and new columnist Peter Andre says it's "tough" seeing his elderly mother decline as he reveals she is suffering from Parkinson's and Alzheimer's

- Georgia Trevitt

Peter Andre has opened up about his devastation over his beloved mum’s declining health, revealing that she has been diagnosed with Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s disease.

The 49-year-old – who said previously he finds it hard to see Thea, 87, “suffering” – caught up with her and dad Savvas in Australia earlier this month and said spending time with them “meant the world” to him.

And now, the new columnist has given fans a heartbreaking update as he confirmed Thea’s diagnosis with the “cruel” degenerative brain conditions.

After sharing Instagram snaps from the trip, Pete responded to a string of supportive comments, telling one follower she was “really struggling”.

He added, “We worry every single day as it takes hold. I will cherish every moment I have.”

In a second reply, Pete said, “It’s so cruel seeing it take hold.”

And he told a third fan, “Some days she is good, like today, but others are not so good.”

Pete also wrote in his column for us this week, “It was my mum’s 87th birthday last week and it was nice we were with her so close to it. It’s never easy to see people declining when they get older, especially when it’s your own mum. It’s tough and very emotional. Although it was difficult to leave them at the end of our trip, seeing Mum smile and happy was the best – that’s what it’s all about.”

Dr Rowan Wathes, associate director of the Parkinson’s Excellence Network, told new the combination of Parkinson’s and dementia can be extremely difficult for everyone involved.