St Catharine’s alumnus Jeremy Paxman diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease

The former Varsity editor has said his symptoms are “currently mild”

Paxman plans to continue broadcasting for “as long as they’ll have me”Daisyheadmaisie/WIKIMEDIACOMMONS

by Georgia Goble

This article is 5 years old

Friday May 21 2021, 10:36pm

Cambridge alumnus Jeremy Paxman has been diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease, the broadcaster has revealed.

Paxman is an alumnus of St Catharine’s College as well as a former editor of Varsity.

In a statement to the PA Media news agency, he said that he has been receiving “excellent treatment” and his symptoms are “currently mild”.

“I plan to continue broadcasting”, the 71-year-old said, “and writing for as long as they’ll have me and have written about my diagnosis in more detail for the June issue of the marvellous Saga Magazine. I will not be making any further comment.”

Paxman, who has hosted the television quiz show University Challenge since 1994, graduated from St. Catharine’s College in 1972, and has been an Honorary Fellow of the College since 2001.

Joining the BBC’s trainee graduate programme in 1972, he has since hosted election coverage and held a twenty-five year tenure on Newsnight.

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The interim chief executive of Parkinson’s UK, Shan Nicholas, stated: “Parkinson’s is the fastest growing neurological condition in the world, and Jeremy choosing to speak publicly about his diagnosis will do so much to raise awareness of this much misunderstood condition.”

“With more than 40 symptoms, Parkinson’s is unpredictable and complex. We are glad that he has been receiving the right treatment to manage his symptoms.”

“Getting the right support in place is key to helping people to take control of their lives when they are newly diagnosed. We would encourage people who have been diagnosed with Parkinson’s to speak to their GP or specialist to explore the best options for treatment and managing their Parkinson’s.”

“Previously, Jeremy pledged to donate his brain to the Parkinson’s UK Brain Bank which will, one day, help scientists uncover the discoveries that will lead to better treatments and a cure for Parkinson’s.”

“With his diagnosis, Jeremy is now also a part of the Parkinson’s community made up of 145,000 people in the UK, who are waiting for a breakthrough treatment, which we are getting closer to every day. We wish Jeremy all the best.”

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