The former GMTV presenter was diagnosed with early-onset Alzheimer’s disease in 2022
Fiona Phillips was diagnosed with early onset Alzheimer’s in 2022(Image: @martinfrizell1/Instagram)
A heartfelt video message from Fiona Phillips has been posted by her husband Martin Frizell this week. The touching clip follows the launch of her memoir, in which she candidly discusses her journey living with early-onset Alzheimer’s disease.
The former GMTV presenter, aged 64, revealed in 2023 that she had received her dementia diagnosis the year before. The Mirror columnist has since collaborated on her newly-published book Remember When: My Life with Alzheimer’s, working alongside Martin, 66, and journalist Alison Phillips.
After the book’s publication, Martin shared a message from his wife on Instagram this afternoon – despite Fiona reportedly having no recollection of writing the book by the time they completed its final chapters, reports the Mirror.
He uploaded the video of Fiona expressing her gratitude to her supporters following the memoir’s launch.
The clip captured Fiona sharing her thanks whilst enjoying an ice cream during a park visit with Martin.
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In her message to fans today, she said: “Hello! Thank you for reading my book. Really good of you. Hope you like it. Okay, bye!”.
Martin, who stepped down as the editor of This Morning earlier this year, shared in the caption that they had been out for a walk.
Fiona Phillips and Martin Frizell in 2016(Image: Getty Images Europe)
He wrote: “Out for a walk and an Almond Magnum on a hot London afternoon and some words of gratitude for all the kind folk thinking of delving into her book.”
His post prompted an outpouring of supportive messages. One person wrote: “Oh it’s so lovely to see your beautiful wife.” Another said: “So nice to see Fiona looking so great.”
A third wrote: “Sending you both love, great to see you.”
Someone else said in the comments section: “Thank you Martin for this clip of Fiona. So lovely to see her.”
Sharing their thoughts, another fan wrote: “So lovely to see Fiona out in the sunshine. Thinking of you both Martin. Big hugs.”
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Another person reacted to Martin’s post: “Lovely little clip. Thank you for sharing.” Whilst someone else commented: “Awwww.. it’s lovely to see you.”
A host of celebrities responded to the post too. Good Morning Britain host Susanna Reid: “Loads of love to you both.”
This Morning’s Alice Beer said: “Congratulations to you both on getting the words on the page. I think you will really help the many many others in a similar situation.”
Fiona Phillips thanked her fans on Instagram(Image: @martinfrizell1/Instagram)
In a statement issued prior to the release of her memoir, Fiona said that she hoped to raise awareness around Alzheimer’s following her diagnosis.
She said: “I hope this book can show people a little about what it is like to live with Alzheimer’s.
“How frightening and confusing it is. But also how much life can still bring joy and be valued. And if you or someone you love is in the early stages of Alzheimer’s, I hope this book brings you some comfort. I want you to know, you are not alone.”
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