English Rugby Star Opens Up About Father’s Battle With Parkinson’s

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by Wendy Henderson |

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Retired English rugby star, Mike Tindall, appeared on British television to talk about his father’s battle with Parkinson’s disease. Talking to Good Morning Britain, Tindall explained that his father Philip had been experiencing symptoms of the disease for about 18 months before finally seeing a doctor.

MORE: Parkinson’s disease symptoms: what is “freezing”?

According to an article in the Daily Mail, 71-year-old Philip Tindall was diagnosed with the disease 15 years ago and is now cared for by his wife, Linda. Like Mike, Philip played rugby before becoming a banker, and the two would often spend days in the garden throwing a ball around. Mike shares how frustrated his father is that he’s not able to play with his granddaughters.

Mike, who’s married to the Queen’s granddaughter Zara Philips, has organized an annual celebrity golf day with proceeds going towards Parkinson’s disease charities in the U.K.

MORE: How does Parkinson’s disease affect the brain?

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