Video
SPEAKMANS SUCCESS
Holly Willoughby and Phillip Schofield’s tears for man cured of PTSD
The This Morning hosts were visibly moved after getting an update from PTSD sufferer Russell
HOLLY Willoughby was lost for words when she saw how a PTSD sufferer had started living a normal life after help from The Speakmans.
Russell Dean appeared on the show ten months ago after his sister appealed to the ITV programme for help.
6
Back then he was scared of crowds - but today he's a totally different person, enjoying both fatherhood and planning a wedding.
In a VT he explained: "Seven to eight days before I met with them I was at my lowest point, and I decided that was it for me and I couldn't go on."
He continued, explaining that he was now a dad to a three week old baby, and planning his wedding in July next year.
He smiled: "To say my life has changed would be an understatement."
6
Back in the studio, Holly and Phil were dumbstruck.
Holly said: "Oh wow that is pretty amazing isn't it?"
Phil glanced at her, asking: "You alright?"
She replied: "Yes just big deep breaths", before noticing Phil had welled up too and commenting, "it's got you!"
Phil smiled: "It's so rewarding."
6
Viewers were just as touched by his development.
One tweeted: "Oh my goodness!! In tears after watching #ThisMorning amazing results by #theSpeakmans well done to all & congratulations to #RussellDean.";
Other viewers tweeted that his happy ending had left them in tears - and wishing Nik and Eva Speakman were able to help them live their lives.
Russell was forced to retired from the police for medical reasons in 2011 when he broke his leg in the line of duty.
6
6
He was left so traumatised that he was unable to walk down the street by himself or be in crowded places.
When he first appeared on the show earlier this year, he explained: "I'd gone from being a proactive police officer to finding a safe place.
"And when I found that safe place I didn't want to move.
"I thought as a police officer, I shouldn't be feeling like this. I can’t keep going on like this."
The brave former copper's sister, Sarah, was so worried about him that she appealed to the telly therapists for help - and they certainly delivered.
6
After taking him to Manchester Piccadilly station to assess how he reacted, viewers saw him shaking with fear and unable to walk past police cars.
In January, Russell appeared on the show to tell Holly and Phil how the couple had helped him.
He said: "There’s no anxiety. there’s no fear or reservation," he said. "I feel amazing. I feel lighter. I feel better. It’s just gone. It’s quite hard to explain.
Latest in TV and Showbiz
"I'm sleeping like a log at the moment. I would be lucky to get three hours before, waking up with nightmares."
Today's update - and Holly and Phil's reaction - showed he's still going strong - and the Speakmans have another satisfied customer.
Got a story? email [email protected] or call us direct on 02077824220
Topics