Billy Connolly opens up about 'suffering badly' from Parkinson’s in powerful BAFTA speech

Sir Billy Connolly opened up about his life with Parkinson’s disease in his moving speech at the TV BAFTAs.

The comedy icon appeared in a pre-recorded speech to accept the prestigious Fellowship award at the 75th BAFTA Television Awards 2022.

In his powerful speech, Sir Billy opened up about how Parkinson’s disease has affected his life as it progressively damages the brain.

In a candid speech, the 79-year-old began: “I am very proud to receive this. Life is good. I haven’t been on the stage for about two years. This is kind of nice. It suits me.

© BAFTAs Billy Connolly opens up about Parkinson’s in his powerful BAFTA speech

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He continued: “Symptom spotters among you may notice that my left is different from my right. It is just one of these things. Parkinson’s disease. I suffer badly from the disease.”

The comedian and musician added that his wife Patricia Stephenson also dresses him, he said: “My wife puts on my clothes in the morning and takes them off at night. It is a jolly life. I have got no complaints.”

He then took a moment to reflect on the changes that have happened in the world during his 50 years in comedy. He continued: “I went from strength to strength on television and here we are today getting this award.

“I couldn’t be happier. It has made me such a happy man getting these good attendance medals now my career is out the window.”

© BAFTAs Billy Connolly opens up about Parkinson’s in his powerful BAFTA speech

Since his diagnosis in 2013, Billy has spoken openly about Parkinson’s and has said he has “absolutely no regrets” from his incredible life.

The Fellowship is the highest accolade that BAFTA can bestow on an individual to pay tribute to their exceptional career and contribution to film, television or games.

Previously, Billy said about the award: “I am deeply honoured. Fifty films and… I can’t remember how many TV shows – as well as my stage comedy – added up to something that’s a joy to look back on. A lovely thing.

© BAFTAs Billy Connolly opens up about Parkinson’s in his powerful BAFTA speech

“I have no regrets at all. I had no idea the Fellowship existed, but I’m told it’s a big deal! It’s lovely to be recognised and to become a jolly good fellow.”

Sir Billy joins a host of iconic stars who have received the award such as Sir David Attenborough, Dame Julie Walters, Sir Trevor McDonald, Dame Joanna Lumley, Dawn French and Jennifer Saunders.

Other winners at BAFTAs include ITV’s Ant and Dec for Saturday Night Takeaway, while Killing Eve star Jodie Comer won Leading Actress for Help.

The Chase scoped up best Daytime award, Coronation Street won Soap and Continuing Drama award and Gogglebox won for Reality and Constructed Factual.

Reference: Jessica Bacon

Woman dies in hot car outside Las Vegas-area VA hospital after being turned away

A woman died in a hot car after being turned away from a Nevada VA hospital during the pandemic because of Covid rules as her husband received treatment.

KLAS: A woman died in a hot car after being turned away from a Nevada VA hospital during the pandemic because of Covid rules as her husband received treatment

Lear Litt, 75, was denied entry as a visitor to the North Las Vegas VA Hospital and was later found unconscious outside in her car in 110 degree heat.

Her husband David, a military veteran, was receiving a transfusion in August 2020, when visitors were not permitted inside the hospital because of strict restrictions.

Clark County Coroner’s office records state that a doctor saw Ms Litt inside the car, which had its windows down but no AC running, at around 12pm, according to KLAS.

She told the doctor that she did not have enough gas in the vehicle to let it run as she waited for her husband.

Mr Litt says at around 2.30pm he asked hospital staff to check on his wife, who he could not reach on the phone, and shortly after heard an announcement for “Rapid response in the parking lot.”

His wife was found unresponsive with a body temperature of 109 degrees, reported the news station.

“Someone’s doing compressions and I’m across the hall from where this is taking place, but I knew it was her,” Mr Litt told the news network.

“Without even seeing it, I knew it was her.”

Despite efforts to revive her, Ms Litt was pronounced dead inside the hospital.

“The unfortunate reality was we spent so much time on risk assessing, protect veterans, protect staff and after that incident occurred, we had to take a step back and say, well, there is a secondary risk too because of the weather out here,” said William Caron, the head of VA Southern Nevada Healthcare System.

Multiple departments at the VA hospital have investigated the incident, but KLAS says that they were denied the results.

Reference: Independent: Graeme Massie

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Monkeypox: Seven symptoms of virus confirmed in UK

A case of monkeypox has been recorded in the UK, authorities have announced, after a patient contracted the virus in Nigeria.

Reference: Independent: Aisha Rimi

Oesophageal cancer: Early signs may be attributed to other digestive issues - what to spot

The NHS says oesophageal cancer is a cancer that's found anywhere in the oesophagus, sometimes called the gullet or food pipe. The health body says: "There are many possible symptoms of oesophageal cancer, but they might be hard to spot." Cancer Research UK says most people are over the age of 60 when they are diagnosed, though this is not always the case.

The NHS says they can affect your digestion, such as:

• Having problems swallowing (dysphagia)
• Feeling or being sick
• Heartburn or acid reflux
• Symptoms of indigestion, such as burping a lot.

Cancer Research says: "You should see your doctor if you have difficulty swallowing, or you have symptoms that are unusual for you or that won't go away."Your symptoms are unlikely to be cancer but it is important to get them checked by a doctor."

GETTY woman holding throat

The charity says: "You may regurgitate food - this is when food comes back up soon after you swallow it. It usually starts with food like meat and bread. You may start to bring up soft foods such as mashed potato, drinks and saliva if you don't have treatment."

It adds that a cough that won't go away or that happens when you try to eat can be caused by oesophageal cancer.

Cancer Research also notes: "Your voice can become raspy or croaky. It's not a common symptom and can be caused by other harmless conditions."

It adds: "Your poo may be darker - almost black - if cancer is making your oesophagus bleed. This is uncommon. You can get darker poo if you're taking iron tablets."

Guts UK says oesophageal cancer is the ninth most common cancer worldwide.

It says the number of people diagnosed with oesophageal cancer in Northern Europe is approximately 5.5 people in 100,000.

"Important risk factors for cancer of the oesophagus include smoking cigarettes and drinking alcohol, particularly spirits," it adds.

Moreover, seven in 20 oesophageal cancers are caused by smoking.

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Guts UK says: "A combination of both smoking and spirit-drinking considerably increases the risk.

"The risk of this kind of cancer is also potentially increased for people who consume their drinks very hot."

Nonetheless, the Mayo Clinic says it is not exactly clear what causes the cancer.

It notes it occurs when cells in the oesophagus develop changes in their DNA.

© GETTY PERSON HOLDING STOMACH

"The changes make cells grow and divide out of control. The accumulating abnormal cells form a tumour in the oesophagus that can grow to invade nearby structures and spread to other parts of the body.

"You can take steps to reduce your risk of the cancer, according to the charity:

• Eat more fruits and vegetables. Add a variety of colourful fruits and vegetables to your diet.Maintain a healthy weight.
• If you are overweight or obese, talk to your doctor about strategies to help you lose weight. Aim for a slow and steady weight loss of one or two pounds a week.

Reference: Daily Express: Harriet Whitehead