Mike Tindall issues sad update on father's 'brutal' health ordeal: 'Left him a shell of what he once was'
Mike's father Philip was diagnosed with Parkinson's in 2003Mike Tindall has shared a sad health update on his father amid his Parkinson’s battle.
Mike, who is married to Princess Anne’s daughter Zara Tindall, said the disease has left his father Philip a “shell of what he once was”.
The former rugby star, 47, gave the update as he and Zara attended the ISPS Handa Celebrity Golf Classic held at The Belfry in Sutton Coldfield.
The event supports two causes close to Mike’s heart, Cure Parkinson’s and the sporting-injury charity The Matt Hampson Foundation.
Mike Tindall shares update on his father’s health
Speaking to HELLO!, Mike opened up about his father’s illness.
He said: “My dad is not doing great at the moment. Parkinson’s is brutal and there is no let up from how it attacks the body and changes people.
“After 23 (plus) years of the disease, it has quite honestly left him a shell of what he once was, which is why I don’t want anyone else to see a parent or loved one suffer and have their quality of life decline so massively.”
He added: “It gives me so much motivation to help push for a cure and work with Cure Parkinson’s on their research, trials and really important work to try and end this disease.”
Don't miss a single story! Add us as a Preferred Source in Google for all your royal news
When was Philip Tindall diagnosed with Parkinson’s?
Mike’s father Philip was diagnosed with Parkinson’s in 2003. Mike found out about his dad’s illness during the Rugby World Cup that year, when he was 24. This was the same year that Mike met Zara.
Mike has opened up about his father’s health on a few occasions. During an appearance on BBC Breakfast in 2021, Mike said it took his dad two years before he went and got symptoms checked which led to his diagnosis.
It has quite honestly left him a shell of what he once was.
Mike continued: “When that happened, I didn’t really pay much attention to it. I didn’t really understand the process of how it deteriorated and how it could end up.
“That’s one of the things I sort of regret is not putting a bit more pressure on him to do more back then.”
Mike’s charity work in honour of his father
Over the years, Mike has done a lot of charity work to raise awareness of Parkinson’s. He has shown support for Cure Parkinson’s for many years through hosting fundraising events including his Celebrity Golf Classic.
Read more: Mike Tindall sparks backlash over new public appearance as Donald Trump reference causes a stir
On World Parkinson’s Day in 2022, Mike said: “Parkinson’s can affect anyone at any time. That’s what World Parkinson’s Day is all about, realising that some people might be struggling and having that bit of patience. Every story is different, every journey is different.
“Cure Parkinson’s believe the science is there to cure it. We always need more people to go on trials, and unfortunately we always need more money.”
What do you think of this story? Leave us a comment on our Facebook page.
