During a heartfelt segment on Good Morning Britain, Richard Madeley took a moment to pay tribute to his former colleague, John Stapleton, following John’s recent announcement about his Parkinson’s diagnosis.
This marked Richard’s first public appearance since sharing his own health challenges, making the tribute all the more poignant.
A montage showcasing John’s impressive 50-year career in journalism highlighted his work on major programs like Newsnight, Day Break, GMTV, and Panorama.
Inspiration from a Mentor
As the clips played, Richard expressed how John had profoundly influenced his journey into television.
“I used to watch you on Nationwide,” he reminisced, noting how John’s presence inspired him to pursue a career in broadcasting.
Richard’s admiration was clear, as he shared, “I watched you thinking, ‘I want to do what he does.'”
Susanna Reid also joined the conversation, recalling a lighter moment from their time working together when John saved her from a wardrobe malfunction during a live broadcast.
Facing a Challenging Diagnosis
John, who revealed his diagnosis during a dramatic appearance on BBC One’s Morning Live, spoke candidly about the changes he’s faced since receiving the news.
Having previously cared for his mother, who also battled Parkinson’s, John felt some familiarity with the condition.
“I first noticed symptoms around three years ago,” he explained.
Initially reassured that it wasn’t Parkinson’s, he later received the definitive diagnosis just a couple of months back.
Maintaining a Positive Outlook
Despite the challenges, John is determined to keep a positive outlook.
“I’m doing fine, coping, and learning to live with it,” he shared, emphasizing the importance of accepting his reality.
He reflected on his experience, saying, “There’s no point in being miserable or trying to change something that won’t change. It’s here with me for life.”
While he acknowledges the frustration that comes with the condition—like having to repeat himself frequently—he remains pragmatic about his situation.
Family Support and Independence
John’s son, Nick, acknowledged the emotional toll of the diagnosis but noted that it wasn’t entirely unexpected given their family history with the disease.
John shared some of the practical challenges he faces, recalling how he witnessed his mother’s decline.
“She had difficulty doing simple tasks like opening a can of beans,” he said, adding that he now faces similar struggles.
In a touching conversation, Nick expressed his desire to support his father as he navigates this new chapter.
John emphasized his wish to maintain independence for as long as possible, stating he’s reluctant to leave his home.
He also indicated he might consider using a stairlift if needed, but he’s realistic about the future.
Planning for Tomorrow
Looking ahead, John finds some comfort in having an early diagnosis, enabling him to plan sensibly for the years to come.
“Seeing what happened to my mother has been a big bonus, allowing me to approach this practically,” he noted.
John’s remarkable career spanned over four decades, during which he reported from significant global events, including the Falklands and Northern Ireland.
His contributions to journalism are immense, having co-presented Watchdog and made his mark on the industry long before his diagnosis.
As he continues to face this challenge, John Stapleton’s resilience and dedication to his craft serve as an inspiration to many.