TV presenter Carol Vorderman says she has been battling with chronic rheumatoid arthritis, which at its worst left her unable to move.
The 64-year-old former Countdown host explains the symptoms developed very suddenly and says, “It was like my body exploded”.
She reveals she has been receiving treatment at an NHS rheumatology department in her home of Bristol and is now on the right medication.
“To come out of pain and utter exhaustion, you suddenly look at life in a different way,” Carol adds.
The former I’m A Celebrity contestant suddenly stepped down from her popular radio show on LBC last October and says this experience has made her prioritise what is important.
“I’ve had a lot of energy over the years and I think this is like an intervention because I’ve always been a workaholic,” Carol explains. “Now I just think, hang on.”
The presenter was speaking to ITV Channel to promote the Daily Mirror’s Pride of Britain Awards, which celebrate the nation’s unsung heroes.
As its long-serving host, Carol says she is still affected by the emotional and extraordinary stories of those who are nominated.
“It’s just beautiful,” she adds. “Even I cried twice during it.
“There’s lots of celebrities and household names, but none of them win an award and that’s the beauty of the Pride of Britain.
“It’s people who are kind, selfless, courageous, brave, the best of humankind, and they’re the ones who win.”
The awards ceremony, held at a red-carpet event in Central London earlier this week, will be broadcast on ITV1 at 8pm on Thursday 23 October.
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