David 'Kid' Jensen opens up on five-year Parkinson's battle and says 'love and support of family keeps me going'

ByNicola Methven - January 16, 2018

Former BBC Radio 1 DJ and Top of the Pops presenter, 67, went public about his illness in a bid to support the fundraising efforts to find a cure

DJ David 'Kid' Jenson is battling the disease (Image: Surrey Advertiser)

TV and radio presenter David ‘Kid’ Jensen has told of his battle with Parkinson’s disease over the past five years.

The former BBC Radio 1 DJ and Top of the Pops presenter, 67, went public about his illness in a bid to support the fundraising efforts which aim to find a cure.

“I have decided to raise awareness about Parkinson’s and to demonstrate that it is possible to continue with so many aspects of one’s life,” he explained.

Jensen said he’d been inspired to speak out by other showbiz stars affected by the disease who have become active campaigners.

“When Billy Connolly and my old colleague, Sky Sports’ Dave Clark, announced they had Parkinson’s and started to raise funds for Parkinson’s charities, I felt it was time for me, with the support of my friends and family, to reveal my situation,” he said.

David 'Kid' Jensen on Top of the Pops (Image: BBC)

“Parkinson’s is a neurological condition that causes problems in the brain and over time gets worse with no cure yet discovered.

“I am so appreciative of the support I have received from my wife Gudrun, who I have been married to for 43 wonderful years, my three children and seven grandchildren, who are all aware that I have Parkinson’s and continue to provide so much love, support and understanding.”

Jensen, who was born to Danish parents living in Canada, joined Radio 1 in 1976 and stayed until 1984. He also hosted chart shows on independent radio in the 80s and 90s and regularly fronted pop programmes on ITV.

His stint on Top of the Pops saw him paired with John Peel, and he also wrote a pop column for the Daily Mirror.

The veteran broadcaster acquired the nickname Kid after becoming the youngest DJ in Europe when he joined Radio Luxembourg in 1968 aged 18.

He currently works on BBC Local Radio and also presents a weekend show on local independent radio. He will continue in his role as Chairman of the Crystal Palace FC Vice Presidents.

https://www.mirror.co.uk/3am/celebrity-news/david-kid-jensen-opens-up-11862978