Celebrities say 'Get fit and fight dementia' at the launch of the Bupa Great South Run

Alzheimer's Society supporter John Altman, best known as 'Nasty Nick Cotton' in the BBC soap, says,

'I'm delighted Alzheimer's Society is Bupa's nominated charity for a third year and to have the opportunity to represent them here. Last year I ran in Sheffield which was 10K, but at 10 miles the Bupa Great South is a bit more of a challenge. My father had dementia in his latter years. 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 supporting Alzheimer's Society.'

Celebrity fitness trainer Dee, whose work out sessions have transformed the body of former GMTV weather girl, Clare Nasir, says,

'Most people want to get a little fitter and tone up after Christmas, and signing up for a Bupa Great Run is a fantastic way to maintain your motivation. Regular exercise can reduce your risk of dementia by as much as 20%, and by running for Alzheimer's Society you can make a real difference to the lives of people living with dementia and the people that care for them. A million people will be living with dementia within the next ten years, so it is something that will affect us all at some time.'

Janet Stanley, who lives in Porchester, knows very well the impact of dementia on family life. Her husband, John, moved in to a care home just under a year ago, having been diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease and dementia with Lewy bodies ten years ago.

Their granddaughter, Madeleine, ran the Bupa Great South Junior Run last year and raised over £600. Janet says,

'The whole family were terribly proud of her. Every penny raised from taking part in a Bupa Great Run for Alzheimer's Society goes to providing support for people with dementia, and their carers, and research into a cure. Alzheimer's Society relies on voluntary donations. Raising £200 would help to run a session of Singing for the Brain® which enables people with dementia and their carers to sing their favourite songs together, even when the person with dementia has lost their ability to communicate verbally.'

This is the third consecutive year Alzheimer's Society and Alzheimer Scotland have been Bupa's nominated charities. By the end of 2011, they hope to have raised £3.5million to fight dementia.

Dr Graham Stokes, director of dementia care at Bupa Care Services said,

'We're very pleased to be supporting Alzheimer's Society and Alzheimer Scotland for a third year. As the UK's leading provider of dementia care, we're committed to helping people with the disease to live well. We understand how important it is to work with Alzheimer's Society to support people with dementia today and find a cure for tomorrow. Signing up to support the Alzheimer's charities in a Bupa Great Run means you can get fit, help reduce your risk of dementia and raise money for a very worthwhile cause.'