Host of celebs join record breaking number of Alzheimer's Society runners in Bupa London 10,000
Published 26 May 2009
What do a daytime TV presenter, celebrity hairdresser, film star and Hollyoak’s actor have in common?
The answer is they all ran for Alzheimer's Society on bank holiday Monday in the Bupa London 10,000, alongside a record-breaking Society team of over 200 people.
This Morning presenter, Ruth Langsford, 10 years younger hairdresser, Andrew Barton, film actress Ashley Lilley and Hollyoaks actor Steve Beard all helped Alzheimer's Society, Bupa's nominated charity for the 2009 Bupa Great Run Series, reach it's £1 million target.
Ruth Langsford, who last weekend won £20,000 for Alzheimer's Society on ITV1's All Star Mr and Mrs with fiancée Eamonn Holmes, understands only too well the impact dementia can have. Ruth says,
Ruth was joined in her efforts by Ashley Lilley, who played Ali in the hugely successful film Mamma Mia. Ashley says,
TV personality Andrew Barton (celebrity hairdresser for Channel 4's 10 years younger) swapped his hairdryer for his running shoes to support the Society for the first time,
Steve Beard, from TV's Hollyoaks and reality TV programme 'Living on the Edge', travelled down to London to take part.
To see a message of support from London Mayor, Boris Johnson, to runners taking part in the Bupa London 10,000, go to: alzheimers.org.uk/bupalondon10000
This Morning presenter, Ruth Langsford, 10 years younger hairdresser, Andrew Barton, film actress Ashley Lilley and Hollyoaks actor Steve Beard all helped Alzheimer's Society, Bupa's nominated charity for the 2009 Bupa Great Run Series, reach it's £1 million target.
Ruth Langsford, who last weekend won £20,000 for Alzheimer's Society on ITV1's All Star Mr and Mrs with fiancée Eamonn Holmes, understands only too well the impact dementia can have. Ruth says,
'My father has dementia and, as someone who has experienced the devastating impact of this condition first hand, I can't stress enough how important it is to raise money to support people today and find a cure for tomorrow.
Alzheimer's Society has helped my family and thousands of others. To run for Alzheimer's Society in an inspirational event such as the Bupa London 10,000, in a magnificent city like London, is a privilege and I wouldn't miss it for the world.'
Ruth was joined in her efforts by Ashley Lilley, who played Ali in the hugely successful film Mamma Mia. Ashley says,
'I feel really strongly about supporting dementia. Since I was a young girl, my Mum has been a senior care worker dealing with people with all types of dementia. I have witnessed how debilitating this condition can be. I too am determined to help make a difference.'
TV personality Andrew Barton (celebrity hairdresser for Channel 4's 10 years younger) swapped his hairdryer for his running shoes to support the Society for the first time,
'I am delighted to help bring attention to Alzheimer's disease. This heartbreaking illness has affected me in so many ways over the years, from grandparents to friend's families and my client's families too. Rather than running a personal best, I hope to be able to chat to people along the route…even give out a few hair tips on the way! It's an occupational hazard but one I love!'
Steve Beard, from TV's Hollyoaks and reality TV programme 'Living on the Edge', travelled down to London to take part.
'My Nan was diagnosed with dementia in her seventies and I have seen how devastating this condition can be. One in three people over the age of 65 will die with dementia and there are over 60,000 people in London who are currently affected by the condition. That's why I took part in the Bupa London 10,000 in aid of Alzheimer's Society.'
To see a message of support from London Mayor, Boris Johnson, to runners taking part in the Bupa London 10,000, go to: alzheimers.org.uk/bupalondon10000
