GMTV resident doctor drives Alzheimer's Society stars over the finish line at Bupa Great South Run

We are Bupa's nominated charity for the 2009 Bupa Great Run series and hope to raise over £1 million to provide vital support for people with dementia and their carers.

Dr Hilary Jones who is resident doctor on GMTV and runs in charity races every year felt passionately about running for Alzheimer's Society. He ran in the event with his partner Dee Thresher.

Dr Hilary Jones, Alzheimer's Society supporter says,

'I have taken part in many races before, but the atmosphere here today in sunny Portsmouth, running for Alzheimer's Society in the Bupa Great South Run has been second to none. The 10 mile race was a real milestone for me and I crossed the finish line in under 1.5 hours.'

'There were so many people running for great causes today. It is a privilege to help Alzheimer's Society reach their target of £1 million to help people with dementia today and find a cure for tomorrow.'

Comedian and actor, Hugh Dennis, joined Dr Hilary Jones in running the 10 mile Bupa Great South Run on Sunday 25 October 2009. Hugh is a star panellist on the satirical quiz show, Mock The Week, and also recently appeared in the critically acclaimed Outnumbered where his onscreen father-in-law began to display signs of dementia.

Hugh Dennis said,

'For the recent BBC series Outnumbered, one of the main plots is centred around my father-in-law who's in the early stages of Alzheimer's. We have to make a decision about where he will live. It really brought home to me some of the tough decisions many families face.'

Hugh continues: 

'To prepare for the 10 mile event I've been hurtling up and down bridleways, getting covered in mud. I live up in the 'South Downs', which is fantastic for running but nothing quite beats the feeling of running in the race on the day. I was delighted to run for Alzheimer's Society, and to help raise funds to provide vital support for people with dementia and their carers.'

Media volunteer, Sam Pierce from Southampton says:

'Completing the 10 mile event for the Bupa Great South run for Alzheimer's Society was also a huge achievement for me. As soon as the distance started to take it's toll, I thought of my Dad, saw my daughters cheering me on, and I knew that that alone would carry me through to the finish line, and it did.'

Sam goes on to say:

'My relationship with my Dad has deteriorated dramatically since he was diagnosed with vascular dementia in 2004, he has even lost interest in my children. My 10 year old daughter Brogan has been hugely affected; they were particularly close and adored each other. Brogan had no peer group to relate to which made things twice as hard. The Southampton based Alzheimer's Society team were so supportive and sent us a video for my daughter to watch. It made her confront her feelings and that was a real turning point for us all. I wanted to give something back and help Alzheimer's Society to reach their target of £1million which is why I ran for them on Sunday.'