Nell McAndrew leads 4,000 strong Alzheimer's Society team in the 30th Bupa Great North Run
Published 20 September 2010
Model and TV presenter Nell McAndrew clocked up an impressive time of 1:26:30 in the 30th Bupa Great North Run yesterday.
Nell lead the way for the 4,000 people running for Alzheimer's Society, Bupa's nominated charity for 2010. She is no stranger to running half-marathons, but it was an emotional day for her as she ran in honour of her grandfather, who died in March this year. Nell said:
'My granddad, Sam, had Alzheimer's disease and shortly after I'd signed up to run for Alzheimer's Society he died unexpectedly. It has been a huge blow to me, but I know he would have been proud of me running in the Bupa Great North Run this year.'
BBC presenter and Alzheimer's Society supporter Jamie Darling was nursing an Achilles tendon injury, but after some massage and expertise from a Bupa physiotherapist, romped home through the half marathon in 1:45:30. Jamie, who originally studied sports science, said:
'It was hard work, but the cheer points really kept me going and the atmosphere has been fantastic. I know how devastating dementia is for a family and I'm very proud to be running for Alzheimer's Society. Now I'm looking forward to the next challenge - the Bupa Great South Run on 24 October in Portsmouth.'
Actor Andy Newton-Lee flew in especially from LA and despite being jetlagged and having had only 4 hours sleep completed the run in just over 2 hours. Andy, best known for roles in Hollyoaks and Casualty, said:
'For the first couple of miles I wasn't sure I would make it round for the full 13, but the Alzheimer's Society supporters were really encouraging and spurred me on. Realising that one in three of us over the age of 65 will die with dementia really brought home to me how important it is to raise funds to support people with dementia, and their carers, and to find a cure in the future. It was a trip well worth making.'
This is the second year that Alzheimer's Society has been Bupa's nominated charity for the Bupa Great Run Series. Last year, thanks to Bupa, we raised over £1 million and are on target to top that this year. The final Bupa Great Run in the 2010 series is the Bupa Great South Run in Portsmouth on 29 October.
