Celebrity support at the Great North Run in aid of Alzheimer's Society

Yasmina Siadatan, winner of this year's BBC One show 'The Apprentice', Sian Reeves, best known for her recent role in Emmerdale and the BBC One drama Hope Springs (also to star in the BBC Three new series Lunch Monkeys alongside Nigel Havers) will be running in the 13 mile race on Sunday to help us reach our £1 million target.

Yasmina and Sian will be joined by over 3,600 Alzheimer's Society runners all pounding the pavements this weekend helping to raise vital funds for people with dementia and their carers. With the start line on Claremont Road and the unforgettable finish line just off Coast Road, the organisers of the event anticipate over 54,000 runners taking to the streets of Newcastle on the day.

The race will be live on BBC One from 09.30 - 13.30 on Sunday, with highlights from 23.10 - 23.50 on BBC Two, and a further special programme broadcast on BBC Radio 5 live from 09.30 - noon.

Yasmina comments:

'My Aunt has Alzheimer's disease and was only 55 when she was diagnosed with this devastating illness. People don't realise there are over 15,000 younger people with dementia in the UK - that's people under 65 years old. This number is likely to be an under-estimate, and the true figure may be up to three times higher. Dementia isn't just a natural part of old age and it isn't just about memory loss.'

Yasmina goes on to say:

'I feel privileged to be able to run the Bupa Great North Run to help raise awareness and funds for other families affected by dementia and lead Alzheimer's Society's team, Bupa's nominated charity for the Bupa Great Run series, to victory!'

Actress and Alzheimer's Society supporter Sian Reeves joins Yasmina at the Bupa Great North Run and explains what running in the Bupa Great North Run means to her: 

'I can't tell you how thrilled I am to be able to take part in the world's largest half marathon, the Bupa Great North Run, helping Alzheimer's Society reach their target of £1 million this year. This is going to be a special day for me, a milestone fitness wise, and of course running for a cause close to my heart. It also reunites me with friends from the BBC Three drama series Lunch Monkeys whom I spent a great deal of time with earlier this year.'

Sian goes on to say:

'It is shocking to hear that one in three people over 65 will die with dementia. Dementia research is desperately under funded. The government invests eight times less in dementia research than cancer research. I can't stress highly enough how important it is to raise money to support people today and find a cure for tomorrow.

Even raising just £12 means that Alzheimer's Society can answer and follow up a call to the helpline, giving a carer the information they need to cope with dementia. I am delighted to be back up North in Newcastle again, to be part of the Bupa Great North Run this year and to be raising funds for such a good cause.'

Media volunteer Rebecca Stevenson from London, comments:

'I was 16 when my Dad was diagnosed with Alzheimer's. There had been symptoms but I just put it down to him being an annoying parent. When Dad stopped working, he took up running as a way to keep focused and I would train with him as often as I could.

We completed three Bupa Great North Runs together raising money for Alzheimer's Society and it was something we both loved doing. We knew 2008 would be the last time we completed the race together because of Dad's condition. This year I will be running it on my own.'

To join Yasmina, Sian and Rebecca in their bid to raise valuable funds for the thousands of people living with dementia in the UK and the millions who care for them go to alzheimers.org.uk/greatrun or call 0870 417 0192.