TV presenter John Stapleton reveals Parkinson’s diagnosis | UK News

TV presenter John Stapleton has announced that he has been diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease.

The 78-year-old said he was “pragmatic” about the prospect of his condition worsening but insisted he was trying to “stay positive” and “as independent as I can” for as long as possible.

Stapleton is familiar to television audiences from his work on programs such as Newsnight, Panorama and GMTV’s News Hour.

He told BBC One’s Morning Live: “Talking has been my living for the best part of 50 years.

“Sometimes it’s very frustrating, especially (when) people keep telling you, ‘I’m sorry, what did you say?’

“And you have to repeat yourself over and over again.

“I am quite pragmatic about the prospect of the situation getting worse. I try to stay positive because what’s the point of not being?”

Stapleton’s son Nick said the diagnosis was “really upsetting” but it did not come as a surprise as his grandmother had a degenerative disease.

According to the National Health Service (NHS) website, Parkinson’s disease is a condition in which parts of the brain are gradually damaged over many years, and symptoms include tremors and slow movement.

Stapleton said he witnessed his mother “transform from this lively, energetic, outgoing woman to quite a fragile woman.”

“One of the practical problems she faced initially was her inability to do things like open a can of beans or peel potatoes,” he added.

“Believe it or not, I have somewhat of the same problem right now.”

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On the TV show, Nick Stapleton spoke to his father about the future and how best to support him.

Stapleton told his son: “I want to stay as independent as I can for as long as I can.

“As for the house, I would hate to leave it, and this will not surprise you at all.”

The presenter told his son that he would use the stair lift if necessary. He added that while he would not want to go into care, he was also a “realist”.

Following Stapleton’s announcement, the charity Parkinson’s UK offered its support to the journalist and his son “as they begin John’s unique journey with the disease.”

“No one is alone with Parkinson’s disease and we are here to support everyone,” the charity added.