The Daily T 'She's a fighter, an absolute fighter': Fiona Phillips' husband Martin Frizell on her life with Alzheimer's
Jul 12, 2025
In this heartfelt discussion, Martin Frizell, former editor of This Morning and husband to journalist Fiona Phillips, sheds light on their journey with Alzheimer's. He shares the emotional toll and challenges of becoming a full-time caregiver. The couple's memoir reveals struggles and moments of clarity amid the disease. Martin emphasizes the lack of attention and funding in Alzheimer's research, critiquing the healthcare system's stagnation. With personal stories, he advocates for greater support and understanding for those affected by this unseen crisis.
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Writing the Memoir Together
- Fiona Phillips' memoir was largely based on her lucid periods but needed supplementing by trusted journalist Alison Phillips and photos from a producer in LA.
- Martin Frizell contributed 24,000 words, turning what he expected as a few paragraphs into a significant portion of the book.
Early-Onset Alzheimer's Neglected
- Alzheimer’s support is largely designed for older patients, ignoring young-onset cases like Fiona's.
- Over 70,000 people in the UK have early onset Alzheimer’s, but resources and understanding are scarce.
Isolation from Friends Sets In
- Social invitations disappeared as Fiona's diagnosis became known, even from close friends.
- People avoid those with Alzheimer’s possibly because they fear confronting the disease or their own mortality.