Broadcaster John Stapleton has revealed he has been diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease.
The 78-year-old said he was “pragmatic” about the prospect of his condition getting worse – but insisted he was trying to “remain positive” and “as independent as I can” for as long as possible.
Stapleton is familiar to TV audiences through his work on programmes such as Newsnight, Panorama and GMTV’s News Hour.
In an interview on BBC One’s Morning Live, he said: “Speaking is how I’ve earned my living for the best part of 50 years.
“It’s very frustrating sometimes, particularly (when) people are constantly saying to you, ‘sorry, what did you say?’
“And you have to repeat yourself, time and time again.
“I am fairly pragmatic about the prospect of this getting worse. I try to remain positive, because what’s the point of not being?”
Stapleton’s son Nick said the diagnosis was “really upsetting”, but it did not come as a surprise because his grandmother had the degenerative condition.
Parkinson’s disease is a condition in which parts of the brain become progressively damaged over many years, with symptoms including tremors and slow movement, according to the NHS website.
Image: Stapleton with his son Nick who said there was a family history of Parkinson’s. Pic: BBC Studios/PA
Stapleton said he had witnessed his mother’s “decline from this lively, ebullient, outgoing lady to a lady who is fairly fragile”.
“One of the practical problems she faced initially was her inability to do things like open a can of beans or peel a potato,” he added.
“Believe it or not, I’m having the same problem, to some extent, myself right now.”
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On the TV show, Nick Stapleton talked to his father about the future and how he could best support him.
Stapleton told his son: “I want to remain as independent as I can for as long as I possibly can.
“In terms of the house, I’d be very reluctant to leave it, which shall not surprise you at all.”
The presenter told his son he would use a stairlift if it was necessary. He added that although he would be reluctant to go into care, he was also “a realist”.
Following Stapleton’s announcement, the charity Parkinson’s UK offered their support to the journalist and his son “as they start John’s unique journey with the condition”.
“No one is alone with Parkinson’s, and we are here to support everyone,” the charity added.
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