Fiona Phillips's Husband Opens Up About Her Alzheimer's Battle
Martin Frizell, the husband of former GMTV presenter Fiona Phillips, has shared a poignant update on her condition, revealing she is "frightened" and "depressed" amid her ongoing fight with Alzheimer's disease. In an emotional interview on ITV's Good Morning Britain, he described how the 65-year-old broadcaster is struggling to accept her diagnosis.
Denial and Emotional Struggles
Frizell explained that Phillips, who was diagnosed with early-onset Alzheimer's in 2023 after experiencing symptoms like anxiety and brain fog, now avoids discussing the disease entirely. "She doesn’t want to talk about the A-word – so we don’t," he told host Susanna Reid. He noted that she prefers to attribute her symptoms to chronic depression, which is also a common aspect of the condition.
Despite her challenges, Frizell emphasized that "she's still very much with us" and retains her characteristic stubbornness, which complicates daily care such as taking medication. The couple, married since 1997 and parents to two adult sons, Nathaniel and Mackenzie, have faced this journey together, with Frizell highlighting the emotional toll it has taken.
Family History and Genetic Predisposition
The update also touched on Phillips's familial connection to Alzheimer's, as both her parents were diagnosed with the disease before their passing. Frizell believes this history made her "more predisposed to it," even though genetic tests indicated it wasn't directly inherited. He reflected on the importance of open conversations about such health risks, stating, "Maybe the lesson is that people should speak about these things."
He stressed that Alzheimer's is not solely an illness of old age, pointing out that Phillips developed it in her fifties, and it can affect individuals at any stage of life, including children.
Call for Increased Research Funding
In his interview, Frizell made a heartfelt plea for more government investment in Alzheimer's research, calling it "Britain's biggest killer" that often receives less attention and funding compared to diseases like cancer. "Why are we not putting more money into it?" he questioned, urging for greater resources to combat this devastating condition.
This update comes as Phillips continues to navigate her diagnosis, with Frizell sharing recent images to keep fans informed. Her story underscores the personal and societal impacts of Alzheimer's, highlighting the need for support and awareness in the face of such challenges.
