Jennie McAlpine’s Mum Dies on Christmas Day from Severe Condition

“Awful” Condition Leads to the Tragic Passing of Jennie McAlpine’s Mother on Christmas Day

In a heartfelt revelation, Coronation Street star Jennie McAlpine shared the sorrowful details surrounding her mother Linda’s death on Christmas Day. The actress, known for her emotional candor during her time on I’m A Celebrity in 2017, opened up about the profound loss that shadowed her childhood. McAlpine was just 20 when her mother passed away after struggling with an insidious illness.

Linda’s diagnosis with progressive supranuclear palsy—a rare and devastating neurological disorder—at the tender age of 17 marked the beginning of a long, arduous battle. The disease, which affects balance, movement, vision, speech, and swallowing, took a significant toll, leaving Jennie struggling to cope with the rapid deterioration of her mother’s condition.

During her stint on the reality show, Jennie broke down discussing the deaths of both her parents. Her father’s passing added to her grief, and she revealed plans to honor her mother with a memorial after returning from the jungle. Linda died at the age of 60, choking on food after suffering from complications related to her illness. Jennie’s stepfather, Robin Parker, recounted the harrowing moment, saying he had to assist Linda with her food before her tragic choking incident. He noted that while she received help, it was ultimately too late.

The journey to Linda’s diagnosis was fraught with difficulties. Initially, medical professionals considered psychological factors when evaluating her symptoms, leaving Robin and Linda searching for answers for five long years. A neurologist eventually identified the degenerative disease, shedding light on the relentless challenges they faced.

For Jennie, witnessing her mother’s decline was heartbreaking. Despite their close bond and shared moments, such as shopping trips, the actress often maintained a distance towards the end of Linda’s life. Robin emphasized that there were no ill feelings; it was simply a natural reaction to the distressing circumstances.

Jennie often reflected on her mother’s suffering with deep sadness, a sentiment echoed by Robin, who described the illness as one of the most horrific experiences of his life. The emotional toll on the family was substantial, illustrating the profound impact of such devastating health challenges.

The story of Jennie McAlpine and her mother serves as a poignant reminder of the struggles families endure when faced with serious illness, leaving lasting memories that define relationships through love and heartache.