Carol Vorderman has issued a major health update one year after being diagnosed with a sudden, debilitating case of rheumatoid arthritis. The 65-year-old broadcaster, best known for her mathematical prowess on Countdown and her recent political commentary, has been quietly battling various health struggles behind the scenes for the last 12 months.
Ahead of the annual Pride of Britain Awards later this month, the mum-of-two opened up about how her recent health condition has given her a new perspective on life. On Monday (October 12), she told the Mirror: "As you get older, health becomes one of your top priorities. Being really poorly and on a lot of medication for so much time has really given me a new perspective."
A 'big shock to the system'
Vorderman continued: "You become much more conscious of your overall health. Your priority list changes. It was a big shock to the system, and that's why I have every sympathy for people with chronic pain. I just don't know how they live with it. It's just depressing."
The broadcaster went on to pinpoint that her sudden condition developed shortly after she went to Thailand. Vorderman went on: "I had travel vaccines for a trip to Thailand, and within three days, I had chronic rheumatoid arthritis. I can't prove that they caused it. My hands doubled in size. I couldn't walk. I literally couldn't move anything without crying in pain."
Tribute to friend Neil Reading
It comes after the broadcaster shared a heartbreaking death tribute as she mourns the loss of her long-time friend, entertainment publicist Neil Reading. Taking to Instagram last week, she wrote: "One of the best, and a friend for many years, Neil Reading died this morning after an illness."
"Neil was the best press agent whom everyone loved and respected. We worked together on so many projects over the decades. And, we laughed, always laughed," she continued. "To be honest, many of us are in a state of shock. Neil was a one off... I'll miss our lunches so much, Neil, and I'll miss your wisdom in the 'never dull' industry we found ourselves to be a part of."
The late publicist, who also represented John Cleese, the late Victoria Wood, John Bishop, and Lenny Henry, was also the founder of Neil Reading PR. Neil, who passed away at the age of 56, is survived by his wife, Claire, and their daughter, Rosa.
Previous health scare
Earlier in the year, the doting mum had her own health scare when she was rushed to the hospital by ambulance after a terrifying fall near her home. Taking to her Instagram account in May, she revealed that she lost consciousness after stumbling over a tree root on a public footpath, which led to her painful fall.
Sharing a clip recalling the horror ordeal to her loyal legion of fans, she explained that she was transported to Bristol Royal Infirmary, where her son Cam later revealed that Europe's hit single Final Countdown played en route. Despite being initially discharged, Vorderman's condition continued to deteriorate dramatically the following day when she found herself unable to sit upright. She also battled with relentless vomiting, which prompted an immediate return to the hospital, where medical staff ordered a CT scan to assess her condition.
The complications of the fall left visible marks that have kept her away from social media for the whole month of June. Thankfully, Vorderman has made a full recovery and is eagerly awaiting the opportunity to host the annual awards show celebrating Britain's unsung heroes.
