Local sportsman’s daughter takes part in the Bupa Great North Run for Alzheimer’s Society in honour of her dad

Karen, 49, who fundraises and volunteers for several local charities, runs regularly just like her dad who was an accomplished runner, cricketer and squash player until he was diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease when he was only 53.  Karen said:

'He was incredibly active and was a great believer in community. It was heartbreaking to watch the disease take away his mobility, his dignity and eventually his speech.  I run nearly every day and, in doing so, I still feel really close to him.'

Of the 750,000 people in the UK with dementia, 16,000 of them are under the age of 65.  One in three of us over the age of 65 will die with dementia.  Karen added:

'I'm taking part in the Bupa Great North Run to help fight this dreadful disease which brings frustration and despair to so many families.  Alzheimer's Society is this year's nominated charity, so every penny raised from the Bupa Great Run Series will go towards helping people with dementia and their carers live well today and fund research to find a cure tomorrow.'

Almost 4,000 people will be taking part for Alzheimer's Society in the iconic half marathon from Newcastle to South Shields, now in its thirtieth 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.'

To support Karen's fundraising for Alzhiemer's Society go to www.justgiving.com/GeraldElstob