John Stapleton, a legendary TV personality, made his final television appearance just months ago as he discussed how Parkinson’s disease was affecting him in his agonizing diagnosis.
John Stapleton made his final TV appearance prior to his death just months before he passed away at the age of 79. The iconic broadcaster appeared on air back in June as he discussed his Parkinson’s diagnosis on BBC One’s Morning Live.
John revealed he had been diagnosed with the debilitating condition in October last year and was a guest on the show where he shared an update on his health. Speaking with presenter Janette Manrara and medical expert Dr Oscar, he said, “I’ve still got the tremor, which is difficult, it makes dressing difficult and a bit of a challenge some mornings.
I’m having to repeat myself whenever I enter a room with ambient noise, like a pub, which I do occasionally frequent, as you may know. I hope you can at least hear me now loud and clear. It becomes a little stale and frustrating.
As John continued, “My limbs are getting stiffer,” he further explained how his mobility was affected. I find using my left side difficult, and I occasionally lose balance. I have to be very cautious when climbing and falling stairs and ascending too quickly. I’m a little sluggish.
Then he sarcastically retorted, “Life is a barrell of laughs.” John also discussed how he had witnessed his mother’s Parkinson’s battle at the time.
He said, “I first saw firsthand what can happen to people with Parkinson’s because my mother had Parkinson’s.” She changed from a very intelligent, outgoing woman to a prisoner at home. That prospect is not something I’m anticipating.
“But having said that, many people with Parkinson’s live almost normal lives and there is constant research being done, so think optimistic.”
He continued, “I’m doing everything I can.” I have a lovely speech therapist who insists that I speak slowly, and a keep-fit lady who visits me every week and completely knackers me.
John, who had pneumonia, passed away on Sunday, September 21, in a hospital. His agent, Jackie Gill, shared the sad news and said that his family had been there when he passed away.
She claimed that John had pneumonia and Parkinson’s disease. His son Nick and daughter-in-law Lisa have always supported him, and John passed away peacefully this morning in the hospital.
John was a household name for decades thanks to his work on BBC’s Watchdog and GMTV’s News Hour. He announced his Parkinson’s diagnosis in an interview on ITV’s Good Morning Britain in October 2024.
He said, “It’s pointless to be miserable. It won’t ever alter. For the rest of my life, Parkinson’s is right here with me. The best thing I can do is try to control it and heed the advice of the experts.
Lynn Faulds Wood, John’s wife, passed away from a stroke on April 24, 2020, at the age of 72.
Source: Mirror
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