Team Alzheimer's Society

Hannah Gardner is a 32 year old nurse from Langford, near Hitchin in Bedfordshire. Hannah's mum, Susan, also a nurse, is only 59, but was diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease two years ago.  

Hannah ran her first ever run, the 10 miles Bupa Great South Run in Portsmouth.  She aims to raise £500 for Alzheimer's Society.  

Hannah Says:

'I can't do anything to help Mum, there is no cure, but I want to do something positive.  I really want to raise awareness of Alzheimer's disease in younger people and share my family's experience to help others in our situation.  Having just had my second child, I'm conscious of wanting to keep fit and Mum was born in Portsmouth so the Bupa Great South Run seemed the best idea.  The funds raised for Alzheimer's Society from the Bupa Great Run Series will help to support people with dementia and their carers, like my mum and dad, and fund research to find a cure in the future.'

Paul Samuel is a 34 year old Sedgefield mechanical engineer and is taking part in the Bupa Great North Run in honour of his father who was diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease six years ago, at only 54 years old.

Paul said:

'My dad doesn't speak much now and is unable to walk anymore. Alzheimer's is a cruel disease. It's very difficult, as he's not the person he was, and his lucid moments are getting less frequent. This is why I've chosen to raise money for Alzheimer's Society.'

This year will be Paul's fourth Bupa Great North Run, and with his times improving every year he is now aiming for under 1 hour 40 minutes.

Cathleen Hepburn-Klemme

A businesswoman from the Scottish borders, who was diagnosed with the autoimmune disease Lupus, is running the Bupa Great North Run against doctors' advice to honour her brother who has dementia.

Cathleen Hepburn-Klemme, 38, who lives with symptoms including joint problems, arthritis and chronic fatigue, is set on finishing the 13.1 mile race on Sunday 18 September.

Cathleen's brother John lives in a care home and can no longer speak or eat because of his condition and doesn't recognise family members anymore.

Cathleen said:

'I've always idolised my big brother. He's 6 foot 5 inches with the biggest hands you've ever seen and it's heartbreaking to see him so physically reduced and not knowing who we are. I've refused to let my condition stop me running, but John is completely powerless. I'm not very demonstrative and don't show my emotions easily, so running is a good way for me to work all that through. You can cry on the road; then when you get back you feel a bit better.'