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THE FORMER ITV GMTV STAR HAS BEEN DIAGNOSED AT THE AGE OF 62. 07:46, 05 Jul 2023 TV presenter Fiona Phillips has revealed how she tried to keep her Alzheimer's disease diagnosis secret
from her boys. The former ITV GMTV star has been diagnosed at the age of 62. But Fiona says she wanted to keep the disease a secret from sons: Nat, 24, who’s in the army and Mackenzie, 21.
“I just didn’t want to make a big thing out of it where we all sit down as a family and announce we’ve got something to tell them”, she said. Fiona added that she has now opened up to the
boys with the story going public - three years on from her diagnosis. “And I was worried they might be embarrassed in front of their friends or treat me in a different way. And it’s not like
I’m doing anything out of character.” She said of her memory lapses: “But they’re not profound, they’re not ruining peoples lives." READ MORE DAVID BECKHAM SHARES NICKNAME FOR WIFE
VICTORIA IN WEDDING ANNIVERSARY MESSAGE The former BBC Strictly Come Dancing star - who is married to Martin Frizell, editor of ITV's flagship programme This Morning - was diagnosed
three years ago. Kate Lee, chief executive at the Alzheimer's Society, praised Phillips' decision to share her diagnosis, which raised "much-needed awareness of
dementia". Article continues below "Our thoughts are with our ambassador Fiona Phillips and her family following the announcement that she's living with dementia," Ms Lee
said. "Fiona has frequently spoken out about her parents' experiences of dementia, and her support of Alzheimer's Society has been hugely impactful and greatly appreciated.
"Sharing such personal news publicly raises much-needed awareness of dementia and we are extremely grateful to Fiona. We are here to offer our support to Fiona and her family and to
everyone affected by dementia." Hilary Evans, chief executive of Alzheimer's Research UK, said: "We're sending our love and support to Fiona and her family following her
announcement that she's living with Alzheimer's disease. It takes such courage to go public with a diagnosis and Fiona knows better than most just how much good that can do.
Article continues below "Awareness is vital and Fiona's bravery will help untold people who are going through their own dementia journeys. Fiona's been a friend of
Alzheimer's Research UK for well over a decade, and her support has shone such a valuable spotlight on the importance of research in overcoming the diseases that cause dementia.
"There are around 70,800 people with dementia in the UK who, like Fiona, are under 65 and we're determined to find a cure to end the heartbreak it causes. And we're so
grateful to Fiona for standing with us in our mission."