Eastenders villain goes on the run to fundraise for Alzheimer's Society

Alzheimer's Society is the nominated charity for the Bupa Great Run series for the second year and John, an experienced runner who has completed several full and half marathons for charity, is giving his support by running the 10K race.

John, said

'My father had dementia in his later years and I also have a very close friend who is only in his fifties, but has dementia with Lewy bodies, so I know what a cruel disease it is and the devastating impact it has on families.  That is why I'm running for Alzheimer's Society. The Society relies on voluntary income to support people with dementia and their carers and undertake vital dementia research.  Raising just £20 could support a researcher for a day with the equipment and chemicals needed to develop better treatments in the fight against dementia, so everything counts.'

As well as appearing in films such as Quadraphenia and American Werewolf in London, John is an accomplished musician and has played lead roles in West End musicals such Chicago and Oliver!  However, John is more widely known for his portrayal of EastEnders villain 'Nasty'  Nick Cotton, whose storylines have seen him twice commit murder, accidentally kill his own son, succumb to heroin addiction and attempt to poison his own mother twice, since his first appearance in the programme in 1985.

He adds,

'It's important to me to live well and I love running, so it's a great way to support Alzheimer's Society.  The funds raised from the Bupa Great Yorkshire Run will help people with dementia live well today and help to find a cure tomorrow.'

Dr Graham Stokes, Bupa's director of dementia care explains why Alzheimer's Society was a natural choice to be the nominated charity:

'Alzheimer's Society and Bupa are working together across a range of projects to support people with dementia and their carers and to find a cure for the future, whilst improving their quality of life and care. Both organisations share a commitment to fighting dementia and a belief in the health benefits of exercise. Signing up to support Alzheimer's Society in a Bupa Great Run means you can get fit, helping reduce your risk of dementia whilst raising money for a very worthwhile cause.'