The Chase star Paul Sinha has issued a health update in his battle with Parkinson's disease, saying he is 'fighting as hard as ever'. The comedian, who was diagnosed with the degenerative neurological disorder in May 2019, made his debut on ITV's Loose Men alongside host Vernon Kay, boxer Tommy Fury and Martin Kemp.
Discussing his diagnosis, Sinha said: 'I have Parkinson's. It is a tough call, and it will get tougher for me. In the years that I have ahead of me, I want to do my best to show that it doesn't have to ruin your quality of life, and that you can fight against the stereotypes others have of you.'
The 53-year-old added: 'For that reason, when I'm out and about, I try even harder to look my best. I want people to know that I am not vanishing, I'm still fighting as hard as ever.'
Sinha described the Loose Men appearance as 'a little nerve-wracking' but said he was made to feel at home. He praised the show for continuing to break taboos around men's mental and physical health, particularly during Mental Health Awareness Week.
'It's important for everyone, not just men, to realise that however hard we try, we are not perfect, either physically or mentally,' Sinha said. 'Traditionally, men have been discouraged to seek help, by believing that it's a sign of weakness. But in all walks of life, a problem shared is a problem halved; or at the very least reduced.'
