Jason Manford has been flooded with messages of support from fans and celebrity pals as he issued a 'heart-breaking' health update about his grandmother on social media. Taking to Instagram on Monday (March 20), the comedian and actor kept his 375k followers in the loop after many were asking how Nana Manford has been getting on after he recently revealed she's in hospital.
Just a day after Mother's Day on Sunday, Jason says he and his family are all "trying to stay strong" as Nana Manford continues to battle with dementia. He posted the update alongside a sweet picture of his family at Nana Manford's bedside, surrounded by flowers and cards.
In the caption, Jason said: "I know a lot of you have been asking about Nana Manford and how she is doing. She loves that when I tell her. Unfortunately she’s still in hospital."
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Going into detail about her condition, he added: "Everyone is doing everything they can to get her home but she’s just stopped eating (even when given a box of her favourite chocolates for Mother’s Day!) not sure why, she says she wants to come home, knows that eating will help this, but for whatever reason, maybe her dementia, she just won’t eat.
"It’s heart-breaking if I’m honest, especially to see my dad upset. But we’re staying strong as a family, lots of laughs and spent more time than was necessary rubbing hand cream into those 99-year-old hands."
He concluded: "My auntie Sharon has gone above and beyond as a daughter too and has been an inspiration to us all. Thanks again for all your kindness in your messages."
Jason's emotional post quickly became inundated with messages of support. X Factor winner Sam Bailey replied: "There is nothing quite like a bond between grandchildren and grandparents! Mine were so funny and full of character!
"My grandad used to tell me war stories, he had a huge scar on his belly and he told me when I was little that he shielded his friend from a stray bomb! I told all my school friends the story and that he was a hero! …….turned out to be a HERNIA!"
Actress Gemma Oaten added: "Sending so much love Jase. Keep on. Keep holding each other close, you've got this, always here if you need an ear/friend (an earie friend? Chuffin creepy that!!) Iove ya xxxx." Ruthie Henshall typed: "So much love."
Singer Beverly Knight penned: " Huge love my Jase. Love to Nana." ITV's Kate Garraway said: " Sending love." A fan, called Jojo, told him: "It’s so hard watching your loved ones decline and suffer like this. I’m sending love to your whole family xxx." Deborah added: "Not a good sign if she wont eat Jason. Take care of each other." Kate wrote: "Best wishes to her Jason and your family."
According to the NHS, Dementia is a syndrome (a group of related symptoms) associated with an ongoing decline of brain functioning. There are many different causes of dementia, and many different types.
People often get confused about the difference between Alzheimer's disease and dementia. Alzheimer's disease is a type of dementia and, together with vascular dementia, makes up the majority of cases.
Dementia symptoms may include problems with:
- memory loss
- thinking speed
- mental sharpness and quickness
- language, such as using words incorrectly, or trouble speaking
- understanding
- judgement
- mood
- movement
- difficulties doing daily activities
People with dementia can lose interest in their usual activities, and may have problems managing their behaviour or emotions. They may also find social situations difficult and lose interest in relationships and socialising.
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