Ben Shephard expressed his support for a colleague who spoke openly about his Motor Neurone Disease (MND) diagnosis on ITV's This Morning, describing a medication setback as a 'real blow.'
Shephard and co-host Cat Deeley returned to the ITV show on Thursday (April 23) to present another episode covering a variety of topics. During the programme, Matt Cox, a former ITV commissioner and Executive Producer for the Pride of Britain Awards, appeared to discuss his diagnosis of MND, a progressive and life-limiting neurological condition.
Despite his condition, Cox is fighting through and plans to take part in this year's London Marathon with help from his friends and family. Discussing his condition with Shephard and Deeley, Cox admitted that he was initially 'in denial' when he realised his health was deteriorating.
He also shared how things took an emotional toll when he was informed by health professionals that his medication was not effective. 'Well, first of all, there is only a licensed drug in the United Kingdom which is known to prolong life for somebody with MND by about three or four months, and that drug is called Riluzole,' he said. 'Unfortunately, I took it and my consultant, the great team and the Motor Nerve clinic at King's College Hospital, determined that it wasn't interacting well with my liver bloods, so I had to stop taking it. And that was a blow. That was a real real blow. So the only thing I have in my armour right now is calories and rest,' he explained.
At the end of his interview, Shephard appeared emotional as he encouraged Cox and his team with their marathon endeavour. 'Well look, the best of luck to all of you. It's going to be the most amazing day,' he said. 'I'm so proud to have you on.'
Motor Neurone Disease is a progressive neurological condition that affects nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord that control voluntary muscle movement. As these cells gradually deteriorate and die, signals can no longer travel from the brain to the muscles, leading to increasing weakness, muscle wasting, and difficulty with everyday activities such as walking, speaking, swallowing, and eventually breathing. The condition is known to worsen over time and currently has no cure, though treatments and supportive care can help manage symptoms.
This Morning airs weekdays from 10am on ITV1.
