The 57-year-old Good Morning Britain presenter shared a message in support of John Stapleton who has been diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease
Kate Garraway has shared a message in support of a former Good Morning Britain star this morning, following his heart-breaking admission. The 57-year-old’s post follows a devastating BBC Morning Live segment on Monday, which unveiled that TV star John Stapleton has been diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease.
Posting on X, formerly Twitter, Kate expressed her apologies to John and his son Nick, who yesterday explained that he is currently navigating difficult conversations about his father’s future. “I am so sorry to hear of this Nick and wish you and your dad all the best in taking this on xxx,” she penned.
In response, a grateful Nick said: “Thanks Kate,” accompanied by a red heart emoji. The sombre disclosure comes after John’s illustrious career spanning almost five decades on shows like Newsnight, Good Morning Britain and Panorama.
The 78-year-old was diagnosed with the progressive brain condition just two months ago after his son, Nick Stapleton, picked up on a few worrying symptoms. Parkinson’s takes place when parts of the brain become ‘progressively damaged over many years’, according to the NHS.
Involuntary shaking, or tremors, are among its main symptoms, as well as memory problems, balance issues and speech issues. The latter is what John has found especially ‘frustrating’, as he often has to repeat himself in conversations with those around him.
Speaking in the BBC episode yesterday, the 78-year-old explained: “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’m fairly pragmatic about the prospect of this getting worse I try to remain positive because what’s the point of not being?”
While the diagnosis has been upsetting for both John and his family, Nick also explained that it wasn’t exactly a surprise. John’s mother, being Nick’s grandmother, also suffered from Parkinson’s in the years before her death.
John continued: “I witnessed my mother’s decline from this lively, brilliant, outgoing lady, to a lady who was fairly fragile. One of the practical problems she faced initially was an inability to do things like open a can of beans or peel a potato. And believe it or not, I’m having the same problems to some extent myself right now.
“In the end, you know, she was sort of locked in her own house. So yeah, her lifestyle changed dramatically and I suppose mine will too.” Now 20 years on, Nick feels almost as though their family is watching history repeat itself, as he’s now grappling with the idea that his father’s Parkinson’s may worsen over time.
When the pair discuss this, John asserted that he wants to remain independent for as long as possible but would go into care ‘reluctantly’ if the situation escalated. Before that, he would also consider technology to help with the more practical aspects of life, including a stair lift.
John summarised: “I think Nick’s approach was extremely helpful because he’s not trying to push me into anything, we don’t have to rush this, we do need to think about it. Let’s fact it, that’s the reality, my Parkinson’s is not going to go away.”
If you’re concerned that you or a loved one has Parkinson’s disease, the NHS recommends seeking advice from a GP, who may then refer you to a specialist for further tests. While it typically affects people over 50 years old, others may experience symptoms under 40.
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A full NHS list of its symptoms are below:
- Swallowing problems
- Excessive saliva production
- Sleeping issues
- Anxiety and depression
- Memory difficulties
- Dementia symptoms
- Balance issues
- Loss of smell
- Nerve pain
- Urinary issues and/or constipation
- Erectile difficulties among men
- Sexual arousal and orgasm difficulties
- Dizziness and fainting
- Excessive sweating
