The Chase star Paul Sinha says he is “fighting as hard as ever” in his battle against Parkinson’s Disease.
The 52-year-old was diagnosed with the degenerative neurological disorder in May 2019 and will talk about how he is doing on this week’s episode of ITV’s Loose Men.
Thursday’s show features an all-male panel to mark Mental Health Awareness Week, the Mirror reports.
Parkinson’s causes the brain to become progressively damaged over many years and symptoms can include involuntary shaking of particular parts of the body (tremor), along with having slow movement and stiff and inflexible muscles.
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Discussing his diagnosis, he said: “I have Parkinson’s. It is a tough call, and it will get tougher for me.
“For that reason, when I’m out and about, I try even harder to look my best. I want people to know that I am not vanishing, I’m still fighting as hard as ever.”
The quizmaster said he really enjoyed making his debut on the Loose Men show.
“It was a little nerve-wracking, but so is any new experience. I was made to feel at home though,” he said, adding that he was thrilled the show continued to smash the stigma around talking about men’s mental and physical health.
“It’s important for everyone, not just men, to realise that however hard we try, we are not perfect, either physically or mentally,” he said.
“Traditionally, men have been discouraged to seek help, by believing that it’s a sign of weakness.
“But in all walks of life, a problem shared is a problem halved; or at the very least reduced. I hope that the message is getting through, but if it isn’t, I’d like to do my bit to help.”
Loose Men will air today (Thursday) at 12.30pm on ITV1 and ITVX.
