Davina McCall has described her father’s best friends as “saviours” for continuing to take him to golf twice a week following his Alzheimer’s diagnosis.
The television presenter, 50, posted a short video to Instagram in which she named each of the seven friends and said her family were so thankful for all their support and help.
Her father, Andrew, was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s at the age of 73.
Davina said in her heartwarming message: “I want to say a big thank you to the three Davids, the two Tonys, the Jeff and the John who take my dad to golf twice a week.
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“My dad has Alzheimer’s and he loves going to golf with his mates. And I know this has got harder and harder, and they are so lovely to him.
“Often my dad wins and he doesn’t know he’s won but they tell him he’s won. Dad is playing the golf of his life, actually. Alzheimer’s has helped his golf immeasurably.
“You guys are absolute saviours and the whole family are so grateful to you.”
https://www.instagram.com/p/BmVUiWihUDo/?hl=en&taken-by=davinamccall
Davina shared the video to Instagram with the caption: “I really want to thank the friends of my Dad who take him to play golf twice a week . You are so lovely 😊.
“Dad loves it so much and Mum gets to go and do stuff or .. even just rest .. ( although she’s not very good at that 😉) Dad has always been a good friend to people … the life and soul .. and it’s so heartwarming to see his friends rally round at his time of need …. so thank you …. David, David, David, Tony Tony, Jeff and John 💝.”
Davina’s message struck a chord with fans, with one replying: “Thank you for sharing Davina. Friendships are so important throughout our lives.”
Another wrote: “Sounds like your Mum and Dad have wonderful friends. A small act of kindness goes a long way.”
A third added: “Aw this was so lovely ❤️ It’s times like these where your friends are more important than ever.”
Davina has often spoken out to support Alzheimer’s charities and awareness.
The whole McCall family have been involved in the Alzheimer’s Society’s Memory Walk, with dozens taking place through September and October.
Davina previously said: “I cried when he got his Alzheimer’s diagnosis, really cried. But he didn’t. He said ‘right, how am I going to deal with this?’. He decided to own it – talk about it and tell people. He is a never ending source of pride for all of us.
“I feel like I have grieved the loss of my old dad. But we are forging a new relationship, a different one. One where perhaps he might need me more. Our dynamic has changed, but he’s still my dad.”
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