ITV broadcaster John Stapleton has announced he’s been diagnosed with Parkinson’s aged 78.
The journalist – who has presented programmes including GMTV, Daybreak and Newsnight – made the announcement today on BBC programme Morning Live, as he and his son, BBC presenter Nick Stapleton, spoke about his diagnosis.
‘Speaking is how I’ve earned my living for the best part of 50 years, and it’s very frustrating sometimes, particularly if people are constantly saying to you, sorry, what did you say? And you have to repeat yourself time and time and time again,’ John said.
‘I’m fairly pragmatic about the prospect of this getting worse. I try to remain positive, because what’s the point of not being [positive].’
Nick said that it’s ‘early days for us’ after his father’s diagnosis, stating that John is ‘still fairly independent’ at this stage.
‘But nonetheless I want to start these conversations now, to get some potentially difficult topics out in the open and make it easier for later on,’ he added.
What are the symptoms of Parkinson’s disease?
On the website for Parkinson’s UK, the charity explains that there are more than 40 symptoms for the progressive neurological condition.
These can include:
- Stiffness
- Slowness of movement
- Mild memory and thinking problems
- Issues with sleeping
- Pain
‘Around 153,000 people live with Parkinson’s in the UK. And it’s the fastest growing neurological condition in the world,’ Parkinson’s UK states.
They add: ‘We don’t yet know exactly why people get Parkinson’s. Researchers think it’s a combination of age, genetic, and environmental factors that cause the dopamine-producing nerve cells to die.’
While talking about his diagnosis on Morning Live, John opened up about how his mother also had Parkinson’s, and he was experiencing similar mobility problems that she had been through.
John said: ‘The fact that I’ve had an early diagnosis, the fact that I’ve seen what happened to my mother firsthand is all a big bonus in many ways, because it enables me to look at it practically, realistically and plan sensibly for the future.’
Georgina Jones, a senior care advisor for Parkinson’s UK, gave Nick guidance on how to speak to his father sensitively about potentially needing care in the future when his symptoms progress.
‘It’s trying to talk about what support someone might need rather than what care they might need; starting with what they would like and what they’re struggling with,’ she advised.
‘There’s all kinds of equipment that people might need in their home. And those kind of small steps will then build up to something more major, decisions about if someone needed to sell their home, they needed to move, etc.’
John was married to his wife Lynn Faulds Wood from 1977 until her death in 2020, aged 72.
Following his wife’s death, John said that she was ‘a supremely optimistic person I mean, right up until the end in hospital apparently’.
He explained on Lorraine at the time: ‘When she was rushed into hospital, I couldn’t go with her for reasons you’ll understand, the coronavirus, I couldn’t go with her initially.’
After John shared his health update on Morning Live, the official X account for Parkinson’s UK expressed their gratitude towards him for speaking publicly about his diagnosis.
‘A huge thank you to @JohnStapletonTV for his announcement on @BBCMorningLive following his Parkinson’s diagnosis. We want to offer our support to John and his son, @staplenick, as they start John’s unique journey with the condition. (1/2),’ the organisation wrote.
‘No one is alone with Parkinson’s, and we are here to support everyone. If you are concerned about yourself, or a loved one, we would encourage you to speak to your GP, or call our free confidential helpline for advice: 0808 800 0303. 💙 (2/2).’
Nick also addressed his followers on X, saying that it’s been a ‘tough time’ with ‘lots of difficult conversations about the future’.
‘I wanted to find a way to help others finding family members or themselves in the same situation, or going through any difficult diagnosis,’ he continued.
‘Thanks to @BBCMorningLive for letting us make a film about such an awkward subject. If you need help – it’s out there. Don’t hesitate.’
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