Fiona Phillips' husband urges PM to act on dementia after sharing photo

Martin Frizell posted a photograph of his wife, television presenter Fiona Phillips, on 29 July. The image shows her at breakfast, holding a spoon. Frizell used the post to appeal to Prime Minister Andy Burnham, whose father lives with Alzheimer’s disease, to prioritise dementia care in the new government.

Phillips, who grew up in Kent, received an early-onset dementia diagnosis in 2023. She first noticed symptoms two years earlier but believed they were related to menopause. The NHS describes Alzheimer’s as a progressive condition that affects memory, thinking and mental abilities.

Read Next in Harrow News London4 min read

Harlington Hospice Achieves 'Good' Rating Across All Services

Care Quality Commission inspection confirms consistent quality at Michael Sobell House and home care

Call for government action

In his Instagram caption, Frizell recalled that Phillips had once considered working with Burnham when he was Health Secretary. He wrote that if Burnham delivers on promises to improve care for dementia patients, he could become "the most consequential politician of his generation".

Frizell added that dementia has long been neglected compared with other diseases. He questioned how the country would fund proper treatment but argued that families affected by the condition would accept higher taxes to support a better care system. The Alzheimer’s Society responded to the post, saying it looked forward to working with Burnham on reforms.

“If the new Prime Minister... follows through on making a difference to sufferers like Fiona, his dad and millions of others then he will become the most consequential politician of his generation.”

Martin Frizell, husband of Fiona Phillips

Public response and Phillips' condition

Followers left supportive comments under Frizell’s post. One wrote, "She looks beautiful Martin... let’s hope that this new Prime Minister sorts things out regarding Alzheimer’s." Another said, "So much love to you both."

Frizell previously spoke about Phillips’ condition on *This Morning* in 2023. He said there were moments when she did not recognise him as her husband. Phillips has since written a memoir, *Remember When*, to help others facing similar diagnoses. There is currently no cure for Alzheimer’s, though some medications can temporarily ease symptoms.

What happens next

The Alzheimer’s Society said it would collaborate with the government on social care reforms. It remains unclear what specific policies Burnham will introduce or when they will be implemented. Frizell’s post has increased public attention on dementia care, but no timeline has been set for further announcements.