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Broadcaster John Stapleton, 78, says he’s ‘learning to live with’ Parkinson’s and knows he ‘cannot escape it’ – but denies revealing his diagnosis in emotional TV interview was ‘brave’

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Broadcaster John Stapleton, 78, says he's 'learning to live with' Parkinson's and knows he 'cannot escape it' - but denies revealing his diagnosis in emotional TV interview was 'brave'

As I delve into the captivating story of John Stapleton, a man whose career spans over four decades and whose resilience mirrors the longevity of his tenure, I find myself profoundly moved by his indomitable spirit and unwavering determination. His journey is a testament to the power of perseverance, underscored by the love and support of his family and friends.

According to John Stapelton, he is adapting or figuring out how to cope with Parkinson’s disease, which he shared in a brief movie on BBC One’s Morning Live program last month.

The individual, aged 78, who has been a fixture on shows such as Newsnight, Panorama, and GMTV’s News Hour, shared with The Mirror: “As you age, it becomes challenging to avoid certain changes, and I suppose advancements like these are almost unavoidable.

‘You learn to live with it, get on with it and try to be as positive as you can.’ 

Over an extended period, certain areas of the brain get gradually impaired in Parkinson’s disease, as indicated by the NHS website. This condition is characterized by involuntary tremors and sluggish movements.

He’s currently attending weekly therapy sessions focused on speech, taking daily walks of approximately 5,000 steps, and participating in an exercise class tailored to individuals dealing with his specific condition.

Broadcaster John Stapleton, 78, says he's 'learning to live with' Parkinson's and knows he 'cannot escape it' - but denies revealing his diagnosis in emotional TV interview was 'brave'

Broadcaster John Stapleton, 78, says he's 'learning to live with' Parkinson's and knows he 'cannot escape it' - but denies revealing his diagnosis in emotional TV interview was 'brave'

However, contrary to perception, John, who was featured with his son Nick on the BBC, contests that openly discussing his diagnosis isn’t an act of courage.

The other day, someone told me, “You’re quite courageous to have done that.” However, I don’t view it as bravery at all. Instead, in my situation, I feel it’s more about fulfilling a responsibility—to share information and stimulate conversations on the topic. For quite some time now, I’ve been an advocate for Parkinson’s UK, as my mother was one of its victims.

On BBC One’s Morning Live, I openly acknowledged that I approach the possibility of things worsening with a practical and realistic mindset.

For about half a century, I’ve made a living primarily through conversation. At times, it can be quite exasperating, especially when individuals persistently ask, “Pardon me, what was that?” And I find myself needing to reiterate my words over and over.

I tend to approach this situation with a practical mindset, acknowledging that it might worsen. Still, I strive to stay optimistic, as why bother fretting if one can find something hopeful instead?

His son expressed that, although the diagnosis was indeed shocking, it wasn’t entirely unexpected since his grandmother had suffered from the same progressive illness.

Regarding his mother, Stapleton shared that he saw her transformation from a vibrant, vivacious, sociable woman into someone more delicate and fragile.

One challenge she encountered at first was her struggle with everyday tasks such as opening a canned food item or peeling a potato.

Broadcaster John Stapleton, 78, says he's 'learning to live with' Parkinson's and knows he 'cannot escape it' - but denies revealing his diagnosis in emotional TV interview was 'brave'
Broadcaster John Stapleton, 78, says he's 'learning to live with' Parkinson's and knows he 'cannot escape it' - but denies revealing his diagnosis in emotional TV interview was 'brave'
Broadcaster John Stapleton, 78, says he's 'learning to live with' Parkinson's and knows he 'cannot escape it' - but denies revealing his diagnosis in emotional TV interview was 'brave'
Broadcaster John Stapleton, 78, says he's 'learning to live with' Parkinson's and knows he 'cannot escape it' - but denies revealing his diagnosis in emotional TV interview was 'brave'
Broadcaster John Stapleton, 78, says he's 'learning to live with' Parkinson's and knows he 'cannot escape it' - but denies revealing his diagnosis in emotional TV interview was 'brave'

‘Believe it or not, I’m having the same problem, to some extent, myself right now.’

In the clip, Nick talked to his father about the future and how he could best support him.

Stapleton said: ‘I want to remain as independent as I can for as long as I possibly can.

‘In terms of the house, I’d be very reluctant to leave it, which shall not surprise you at all.’

Additionally, he made it clear to his son that he wouldn’t mind utilizing a stairlift when needed and expressed some hesitance about going into care. However, he also acknowledged himself as a ‘realistic’ person.

As I gaze towards the future, I find myself grateful for several reasons. Having been diagnosed early and witnessing the impact of this condition on my mother, I now possess a unique perspective. This experience allows me to approach the situation with practicality, realism, and a sense of planning that is thoughtful and forward-thinking.

In 1983, John was invited to become part of TV-am as an effort to enhance the quality of its news programming. Given his previous experience working on Nationwide for the BBC, he was already well-known to viewers, making this a logical step.

Throughout a 40-year long professional journey, John served as a reporter for BBC’s Panorama, Newsnight, and other programs, covering events in the Falklands, Middle East, and Northern Ireland. Additionally, he shared hosting duties on Watchdog in 1980.

As a devoted admirer, I must say that John’s fame remains undiminished. Few British television presenters can boast of hosting as many UK morning shows as he has, such as BBC’s London Plus and Breakfast Time, GMTV, Daybreak, and Good Morning Britain.

The journalist was married to Lynn Faulds Wood for 43 years until her death in 2020. 

Broadcaster John Stapleton, 78, says he's 'learning to live with' Parkinson's and knows he 'cannot escape it' - but denies revealing his diagnosis in emotional TV interview was 'brave'
Broadcaster John Stapleton, 78, says he's 'learning to live with' Parkinson's and knows he 'cannot escape it' - but denies revealing his diagnosis in emotional TV interview was 'brave'
Broadcaster John Stapleton, 78, says he's 'learning to live with' Parkinson's and knows he 'cannot escape it' - but denies revealing his diagnosis in emotional TV interview was 'brave'

In April 2020, Lynn – known for co-hosting Watchdog alongside her husband John – passed away at their residence in St Margarets, south west London, after suffering a severe stroke. Regrettably, she had been diagnosed with Antiphospholipid Syndrome (APS).

30 years back, Lynn was diagnosed with bowel cancer, at a time when only about one out of three patients survived. After her successful surgery and subsequent clean bill of health, Lynn became an advocate for educating people on recognizing the early signs of this disease.

Speaking on Lorraine a year after her death, John said: ‘It’s been a difficult year, obviously. 

2021 has been a trying year for me, yet my son Nick and his wife Lisa, along with my friends, family, and cherished neighbors, have provided immense support. They’ve all been truly amazing.

This year, everyone, not just myself, has found it challenging due to the pandemic and the necessary restrictions.

You can stream the entire movie on BBC iPlayer. Additionally, “Morning Live” airs every weekday at 9:30 AM on both BBC One and BBC iPlayer.

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2024-11-04 04:03

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