Entertainment
Jo Whiley shares heartwarming update on sister amid coronavirus battle – but reveals long-term complications
Jo Whiley has shared a heartwarming update on sister Frances, amid her battle with coronavirus.
The radio DJ’s sibling – who has learning difficulties and diabetes – tested positive for Covid-19 recently, and was admitted to hospital with her symptoms.
Taking to Twitter, she posted a video of Frances flashing a thumbs up for the camera, thanking fans for their well wishes.
‘First of all, Frances would like to say a huge thank you to everybody who has helped her, especially the amazing doctors and nurses of the NHS, and her many MANY well-wishers,’ the 55-year-old wrote alongside the clip.
‘It’s hard to believe we’ve gone from discussing palliative care on Friday night to sitting on her favourite bench drinking cups of tea.
‘It doesn’t end here though. Any LD carer will know have someone with demanding needs relying on you to keep them alive 24/7.
‘I hope the vaccine is reaching more and more of those with Learning Disabilities. Not everyone has been as lucky as us.
‘Covid has brought with it further complications. We’re now dealing with worrying diabetes and high blood pressure issues and my parents are exhausted beyond belief.’
Jo added: ‘It’s so hard observing from behind a visor and mask, helpless doesn’t cover it.
‘So many have died or are suffering from long Covid because they were simply not protected. We need to show them that they are not forgotten and we care.’
The Radio 2 star previously questioned the roll-out of the coronavirus vaccine, as she was offered a jab before her sister – who is vulnerable.
When the offer came for Frances, it was ‘too late’.
‘I have no idea why I was offered the vaccine and my sister wasn’t,’ she said during an appearance on Andrew Marr.
‘It felt like the cruellest twist in the world, because I’ve been asking, wanting for her to have the vaccine for a year… to be protected.
‘She actually was called in for her vaccine Saturday night… but it’s too late, she’s fighting for her life in hospital…
‘It just couldn’t be crueller.’
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