BBC Breakfast presenter Nina Warhurst has been praised by fans after she opened up about her father’s dementia.
The 42-year-old made a short film about her father’s story after he was diagnosed with dementia last year, which was played on Monday’s instalment of the morning programme.
The emotional film featured old videos of Chris and the family, as well as his three daughters, Nina, Amy and Mel who discussed their father’s heartbreaking diagnosis.
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A tearful Nina broke down in the video as she admitted to feeling “really guilty” because they stopped “enjoying each other’s company” before they were informed Chris had dementia.
After they received Chris’s diagnosis, it meant they could give him the right support which left Nina feeling more positive about what is ahead.
(Image: BBC Breakfast)
“I feel really positive about the future with my dad because his basic needs are being met, he’s in a wonderful care home, he has regular visits with us and I know we have great times ahead of us,” Nina said.
The newsreader appeared live in the studio alongside today’s hosts Jon Kay and Sally Nugent to speak about the topic further.
Reflecting on becoming a carer for her dad in the beginning, she told the duo: “The collective mass of stress was huge. It’s almost like the grief and pain of, ‘I’m losing this person who I love,’ that’s on the back burner because you’re running on anxiety and adrenaline all the time.”
The mum-of-two admitted her father would call her 10 times a day and when she went to his house, he would ask, ‘What are you doing here?'”
Nina continued: “It’s hard not to be cross. I felt really guilty because I was getting angry with him and I was taking it out on him. I had two tiny kids at home that I wasn’t seeing as much and I wasn’t focused at work.”
Now that Chris is getting the right support in a care home, the BBC star explained their family are now “having a laugh again”.
Fans took to social media to praise Nina for sharing her family’s story, with many admitting they felt “emotional” watching the segment.
(Image: BBC Breakfast)
“Nina TY for sharing your story on Dementia in the family. EVERY SINGLE word I recognised in my journey with my mum & her dementia journey. The guilt, the worry, the smiles too. TY I realise I’m not alone in my thoughts. Wishing you, your family all the best,” wrote one user.
Another person penned: “A personal, powerful, moving, emotional & honest look into Nina’s life with her family & dad while they battle with the awful world of dementia. Well done for highlighting this devastating illness & thoughts go to them all.”
“Goodness me; that was emotional. Thank you @NinaWarhurst for sharing such a personal story on dementia, we must do better for those caring for those living with dementia,” added a third.
Someone else echoed: “Nina’s story about living with her dad’s dementia has really moved me. Like many people, I’ve been through the same. It’s incredibly hard.”
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Source: Celebrities - dailystar.co.uk
