Former GMTV presenter, Fiona Phillips, who was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s, is set to release a new book titled “Remember When” in collaboration with her husband, Martin Frizell, and journalist Alison Phillips. The 64-year-old journalist aims to shed light on life with Alzheimer’s and convey that despite the challenges, there is still room for joy and value in life. She hopes the book will offer comfort to others facing similar struggles and wants them to know they are not alone. Phillips opens up about her own experience with early warning signs, memory loss, and confusion, while her husband shares his perspective in coping with her diagnosis.
Phillips, a prominent figure in broadcast journalism, shared her Alzheimer’s diagnosis in 2023, after initially mistaking her symptoms for menopausal issues. Alongside caring for her parents, who also battled the condition, she has been a passionate advocate for Alzheimer’s awareness. Her upcoming book delves into the reality of living with the disease and the importance of finding moments of joy amidst the challenges. With a career spanning from hosting GMTV to fronting documentaries and writing columns, Phillips is known for her warmth and honesty, qualities that are expected to shine through in her new book.
Ingrid Connell, the publishing director at Pan Macmillan, praised Phillips for her candid and inspirational approach to discussing Alzheimer’s in her book. Phillips brings her trademark warmth and sincerity to her narrative, refusing to sugar-coat the harsh truths of living with the disease. Through her resilience and desire to support others affected by Alzheimer’s, she hopes to make a meaningful impact in the lives of her readers. Phillips retired from television in 2018 due to anxiety issues, after a successful career that included hosting GMTV for fifteen years and contributing to various documentaries and news programs.
As a part of her advocacy work, Phillips previously produced documentaries, such as “Mum, Dad, Alzheimer’s And Me” and “My Family And Alzheimer’s,” delving into her family’s history with dementia. She has actively supported Alzheimer’s UK as an ambassador, using her platform to raise awareness and provide support to those affected by the disease. By sharing her personal journey in her upcoming book, Phillips aims to offer a glimpse into the challenges and triumphs of living with Alzheimer’s, emphasizing the importance of finding joy and value amidst the difficulties.
Through her new venture as an author, Fiona Phillips is continuing her legacy of raising awareness and offering support to individuals impacted by Alzheimer’s. Her forthcoming book, “Remember When,” co-written with her husband and a close friend, is set to provide comfort, insight, and inspiration to those navigating similar journeys. With her trademark authenticity and empathy, Phillips is set to empower readers to find moments of joy and connection in the face of adversity, reminding them that they are not alone in their struggles.