Fiona Phillips’ husband, Martin Frizell, has shared a deeply emotional glimpse into life with the former GMTV star as her battle with Alzheimer’s continues.
Fiona, 64, was diagnosed with the disease in 2022 at the age of 61, and since then Martin, 66, has stepped back from his career to care for her. The couple’s memoir, Remember When: My Life With Alzheimer’s, recently reached the top of the Sunday Times bestsellers list, giving Fiona a surge of pride and joy.
Martin posted a touching update on Instagram, writing that Fiona wanted to thank “everyone who has shown interest in her story” as it had “really lifted her mood.” Alongside the message, he shared a treasured photograph of Fiona smiling on a TV location shoot, describing it as showing “what a force of life and vitality she had.”
He also revealed that one of their favourite pastimes is looking through old photo albums together while listening to music. “We enjoy Sting’s essential collection now – he’s replaced The Stylistics,” Martin said.
In their book, the couple bravely detail how Fiona’s illness has reshaped their lives. Martin described the daily demands of caregiving, from helping her shower and brush her teeth to washing her hair. He admitted Fiona often resists, as she “doesn’t like being told what to do,” but said it’s necessary to protect her health.
He added that he now helps Fiona get dressed each day, as she sometimes puts clothes on the wrong way round. While he lays outfits out for her in the mornings, Fiona often becomes attached to certain items and wants to wear them repeatedly.
Through all of this, Martin continues to highlight Fiona’s resilience and spirit, while candidly showing the quiet heroism behind caring for a loved one with Alzheimer’s.