Veteran broadcaster John Stapleton recently shared some significant news regarding his health.
In a heartfelt video for BBC One’s Morning Live, the 78-year-old announced that he has been diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease.
Known for his extensive work on programs like Newsnight, Panorama, and GMTV’s News Hour, Stapleton expressed a pragmatic outlook on his diagnosis, acknowledging the possibility of it worsening over time.
“I’ve spent nearly 50 years earning my living through speaking,” he reflected.
“It’s frustrating at times, especially when people often ask, ‘Sorry, what did you say?’ and I find myself repeating myself over and over.”
Despite these challenges, he emphasizes the importance of maintaining a positive mindset, stating, “What’s the point of not being?”
Family Perspective
John’s son, Nick, joined him in the video and discussed the emotional impact of the diagnosis.
He admitted that while it has been “really upsetting,” it wasn’t entirely unexpected, as their family has a history with the disease—his grandmother also had Parkinson’s.
John elaborated on this personal connection, recalling the gradual decline of his mother, who went from being vibrant and outgoing to quite fragile.
He shared, “I witnessed her struggles with tasks like opening a can of beans or peeling a potato. Believe it or not, I’m facing some of those same difficulties myself right now.”
Independence and Realism
In the video, John expressed a desire to maintain his independence for as long as possible.
“I’d be very reluctant to leave my house,” he said, although he mentioned he would consider using a stairlift if needed.
He also acknowledged the reality of possibly needing care in the future, but he approaches the situation with realism.
“Having received an early diagnosis, and having witnessed my mother’s experience, I feel better equipped to plan sensibly for the future,” he noted.
A Long Career
Reflecting on his impressive 40-year career, John highlighted his work on programs that brought him into viewers’ homes, including BBC’s Panorama and Newsnight.
His journey began in 1983 when he was invited to join TV-am, enhancing the program’s news content after his time on Nationwide.
Over the years, he reported on critical events across the globe, from the Falklands War to the conflicts in the Middle East and Northern Ireland.
John has hosted numerous breakfast shows in the UK, including GMTV, Daybreak, and Good Morning Britain, establishing himself as a beloved figure in British television.
Remembering Lynn
John was married to Lynn Faulds Wood for 43 years until her passing in 2020.
The couple co-hosted Watchdog, and Lynn’s battle with health issues—including Antiphospholipid Syndrome and bowel cancer—was a significant part of their lives.
In a touching reflection a year after her death, John shared, “It’s been a challenging year, but my son Nick, his wife Lisa, and my friends and family have been incredible.”
He acknowledged the difficulties everyone faced during the pandemic and how their support has made a difference.
Understanding Parkinson’s Disease
Parkinson’s disease is a condition where parts of the brain become progressively damaged over time.
According to the NHS, major symptoms include tremors, slowness of movement, and muscle stiffness.
Other issues can involve balance problems, loss of smell, excessive sweating, and dizziness.
The onset of symptoms can be subtle, often starting with a slight tremor in one area of the body or a decrease in facial expressions.
Diagnosis and Treatment
While there’s no definitive test for Parkinson’s, doctors can diagnose the condition based on symptoms, medical history, and physical examinations.
Approximately 145,000 people in the UK are currently living with Parkinson’s disease.
While there’s no cure, various treatments are available, including medication, exercise, therapy, and in some cases, surgery.
Living with Parkinson’s
The condition affects individuals differently, with many experiencing a relatively stable life expectancy.
However, advanced symptoms may lead to increased disability and other health challenges.
Experts recommend regular exercise, noting that just 2.5 hours a week can significantly help manage symptoms.
John’s journey with Parkinson’s has already begun, and he hopes that sharing his experience will raise awareness and help others facing similar challenges.
The full video interview can be watched on BBC iPlayer, with Morning Live airing weekdays at 9:30 AM on BBC One.
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