Barry McGuigan supports his look-a-like in the Bupa Great North Run for Alzheimer’s Society

Local college lecturer Paul has been told all his life how much he resembles the World Featherweight Champion; even his students call him 'Barry McGuigan'.  When Paul signed up for the half-marathon in Newcastle, he decided he would run dressed as the celebrated sportsman and the real Barry McGuigan is giving Paul his support.

Barry said,

'I'm flattered that Paul is running the Bupa Great North Run as me! I would like to wish him lots of luck for the run, especially as he is running for such a worthy cause as Alzheimer's Society.  The money raised will improve the lives of people with dementia and their carers, so I hope people will give Paul their wholehearted support.'

Paul, 48, said he was delighted to have the backing of the much-loved Clones Cyclone.  Paul said,

'My father trained as a boxer and ran his own gym, so I've been a big boxing fan all my life.  My dad looked after mum for as long as he could, but she had to spend the last 6 years of her life in residential care.  Alzheimer's disease is a fight no-one can win which is why I'm raising money for Alzheimer's Society.  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 every penny counts.'

This is the second year Alzheimer's Society is Bupa's nominated charity for the Bupa Great Run Series.  Last year, thanks to Bupa, they raised over £1 million and they aim to top that this year.

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.'