Peter Andre's heartbreaking update on his mum's devastating health battle
EXCLUSIVE: Popstar Peter Andre's mum Thea is battling Alzheimer's and Parkinson's, and the dad of five has given a heartbreaking update on her current health status
Peter Andre has given an emotional update about his mum's health in his exclusive weekly column for OK!, as she continues to experience with the devastating effects of Parkinson's and Alzheimer's diseases. His mum Thea lives in the Gold Coast, Australia, with his dad Savvas, and the couple celebrated their PLatinum Wedding anniversary - 70 years - on September 3 last week.
But the happy occasion was also tinged with sadness for Peter and the rest of the family, as he reveals that Thea is losing the power of speech. The news comes just weeks after the Mysterious Girl singer admitted his feelings of guilt over living so far away and witnessing his mum's deterioration caused by the progressive neurological disorders.
Speaking earlier this summer, he said: "It’s absolutely heartbreaking. With a disease like Alzheimer’s it’s so hard, number one, for the person affected, but it’s also heartbreaking for those who love and care for them... I see the decline happening, and I know the feelings of guilt and worry that we, her loved ones, feel. It is so painful for everyone." Read on to see what else he has been going on in the Andre household...
Back to school
The kids going back to school has been quite emotional for them. Not least because Amelia (Millie) has started secondary school, and Theo is now without his sister in primary school. It’s bittersweet for parents as well. It’s so hard not to feel a little sad that the kids are growing up so quickly, but we are so proud of them for their achievements and we love seeing them become beautiful humans. Also, it’s quite nice to have a bit of quiet in the day. Oh I forgot, we have a 16-month-old. LOL.
Happy tears
I saw that The Rock – aka Dwayne Johnson – cried during a 15-minute standing ovation at the Venice Film Festival for his new film The Smashing Machine. He really has done incredibly well, and he deserves all the success in the world. When you think about it, he has done films that have appealed to all ages and audiences, from Moana to the Fast & Furious franchise. He seems kind and friendly, and is clearly devoted to his work. Long live The Rock – and it proves that real men do cry.
Happy anniversary!
I’m so very grateful that my wonderful mum and dad have celebrated their 70th wedding anniversary this week. I love them so much, and I prayed for this moment for them. They have received a wonderful letter from the King, and although Mum’s speech is almost non-existent now, I know that her heart will be filled with warmth because of all the love and support. Happy 70th wedding anniversary, Mum and Dad inspiration to us all.
It's showtime...
It was amazing attending the launch of the new show I’ve been a part of, The Sunshine Murders, and being able to celebrate that it has premiered in the US, getting what seems to be an incredible response. It airs throughout this week at 2.15pm (2.20pm on Friday) on 5. I’ll be curious to know how many people pick who the killer was in each episode. I never read the end of each script so I could avoid knowing who did it – so I’ll be guessing like everyone else!
Late-in-life love
Finding love at any age can be a wonderful thing, so how gorgeous that actress Maureen Lipman is saying “I do” for the third time at the age of 79! They say you’re never too old to achieve anything, and there’s no bigger achievement than total happiness. I say good for her. I really hope she has a wonderful wedding and all her dreams come true.
