Davina McCall has wished her dad a happy 75th birthday as he continues to battle Alzheimer’s disease.
The 52-year-old presenter posted a sweet tribute to her father Andrew and wished him a happy birthday on Instagram on Wednesday (28.11.19) as she also gave a "special mention" to her mother.
She wrote: "Happy birthday Daddy . The happiest , funniest loveliest man. Alzheimer’s has done nothing to dull my Dads spirits. Always smiling .
"And a special mention to my amazing mum @gabbamccall . Behind every great man… there’s a great woman. And by god is she great . Patient , kind and strong. Thank you for loving us all we all love you both so much. (sic)"
Andrew was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s – a disease associated with an ongoing decline of brain functioning – at the age of 73 after Davina and the family noticed subtle changes in his behaviour and personality.
The ‘Long Lost Family’ host told fans how her dad would repeat the same story he told only 15 minutes earlier and how he would often forget the previous day’s events.
She said at the time: "My dad has always been my rock. He’s way smarter than me, funnier, stronger. I’ve always slightly hero-worshipped him. So when he started saying funny things like, ‘I took the overland train’ and ‘Call me when your work is less explosive’, it didn’t take us long to all come together and ask each other if we should be concerned.
"The psychologist that first assessed him said that he could have been affected for a while – but he is so clever that he had come up with strategies. That’s my dad – see a problem, come up with a strategy."
Despite the devastating diagnosis, Davina has found light in the situation as she continues to learn about Andrew’s world.
She continued: "My dad is very charming, everyone he meets falls in love with him. That’s one thing that hasn’t changed. He still gives the best hugs and my kids adore him. Since he’s had Alzheimer’s, he has become calmer and kids respond very well to that.
"I have grieved the loss of my old dad. But we are forging a new relationship, a different one – one where perhaps he might need me more. Our dynamic has changed, but he’s still my dad."
Davina McCall pays tribute to dad suffering with Alzheimer’s
