Veteran ITV presenter John Stapleton announces Parkinson’s diagnosis aged 78-Sabrina Barr-Entertainment – Metro

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.

‘I try to remain positive,’ the broadcaster said (Picture: BBC)

John was joined by his son Nick as they spoke about how the diagnosis will impact their lives in the future (Picture: BBC)

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 experiening stiffness, slowness of movement, mild memory and thinking problems, issues with sleeping and pain, the organisation outlines.

‘Around 153,000 people live with Parkinson’s in the UK. And it’s the fastest growing neurological condition in the world,’ the charity 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.

More to follow.

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