Celebrities are making their mind up to run the Virgin London Marathon for Alzheimer’s Society

Jay, who is currently touring with the reformed band 30 years after their Eurovision winning hit, Making Your Mind Up, topped the charts, is running in honour of her father, Edward, who died with Alzheimer's disease.

Jay said,

'I'm running in honour of my dad who died last Christmas after having Alzheimer's disease for 10 years.  It's an awful, long drawn out and painful grief for the person who has the disease and their family and loved ones.  We lived in an isolated area and it was difficult to get carers and there wasn't a huge amount of support.  I turned to Alzheimer's Society for help and advice and I felt they were severely under-funded. That's why I'm here today.'

Ricky Wilson is lead singer with indie band Kaiser Chiefs who have enjoyed worldwide success with songs such as Oh My God, I Predict a Riot and Ruby, since their 2005 album Employment went five times platinum.  The father of fellow band member, drummer Nick Hodgson, has Alzheimer's disease.

Ricky says,

'Nick's dad has Alzheimer's disease despite being only 60 years old.  Research is essential to find a cure for this terrible disease and at the moment this research is hugely under-funded.  Your sponsorship money can help the lives of everyone affected; people with dementia and their carers.'

Aiming to complete the course in under four hours, ten times World Rowing Champion and winner of four Olympic golds, Matthew Pinsent, is also running for Alzheimer's Society.

Matthew says,

'I know lots of people who have been affected by dementia and it's a growing problem.  Alzheimer's Society is a fantastic charity and the money raised from the Virgin London Marathon will fund research and support people with dementia and their carers.'

Asked if he had any tips for fellow runners, Matthew added,

'Training's been going well.  I got up to 19 miles which was a bit painful, but I'm feeling confident.  Just stick to your plan.  It's a long race so you don't want to start too fast.'

Alzheimer's Society National Events Manager, Anna McCaughley, said,

'We are delighted to have Jay, Ricky and Matthew's support for this amazing event.  One in three people over the age of 65 will die with dementia and we rely on voluntary donations to continue our vital work.  We are grateful for everyone's support and wish them the very best of luck.'