Parkinson’s Europe has praised The Traitors winner Rachel Duffy for raising awareness of Parkinson’s on the hit UK TV show, following news that the star’s mum, who lived with the condition, has died.
Speaking on the show, Rachel had expressed the desire to spend her share of the £95,750 prize pot – split with co-star and fellow ‘traitor’ Stephen Libby – on making memories with her family.
“I would like to do something for my mummy, who has been very ill for a long time,” a visibly emotional Rachel, who is from Newry in Northern Ireland, told fellow contestants.
“She was diagnosed with Parkinson’s when she was only 47, and I’ve watched her my whole adult life just put her whole life on hold for other people. She was diagnosed with dementia recently and all she wants to do is go on holiday. I think if I were to win the money, it would be to take her and my kids on holiday and make memories while she still has her memories.”
Sadly, however, just days after the show ended, Rachel’s mother Anne passed away. In a post shared on her Instagram stories, Rachel said: “We are heartbroken to share the passing of our beautiful wee mummy. We kindly ask for privacy as our family grieves during this difficult time.”
Raising awareness of young-onset Parkinson’s
With the show attracting huge viewing figures, including 9.6m for the season finale, Rachel speaking out about Parkinson’s has helped raise awareness of the condition.
Parkinson’s Europe’s Strategic Director Amelia Hursey praised Rachel for sharing her story and raising awareness of the condition.
Amelia said: “Rachel having the courage to open up on national TV and share that her mother, Anne, was diagnosed at a young age was an important moment for the Parkinson’s community.
“It not only helps raise awareness of the condition, but also reminds viewers that despite the common misconception that Parkinson’s only affects older men, it can affect people of all ages. We are sending Rachel and her family our condolences at this very sad time.”
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