‘Exile’ star Shaun Dooley tackles Bupa London 10,000 for Alzheimer’s Society

Shaun, well-known for a host of roles including South Riding, Hustle, and Married.Single.Other, is currently on screen as Mike in the critically acclaimed drama, in which Jim Broadbent plays a former journalist with Alzheimer's disease.  Shaun says,

'None of us like to think about dementia and the huge impact it has on families and loved ones, but by 2011 there will be over 1 million people living with dementia in the UK, so it is something that will affect us all at some time.  Every penny raised for Alzheimer's Society in the Bupa London 10,000 will help to support people with dementia and their carers today, and find a cure for tomorrow.'

The Bupa London 10,000 course starts and finishes in St James's Park and is one of the most picturesque runs, as it takes in many of the sights of the capital.  Shaun admits that while he enjoys the odd game of football, he's not a regular runner and has found the training quite a challenge, but said,

'Signing up for a run like this is a great way to feel a bit fitter and signing up to run for a charity gives you the motivation to keep going.  In the two years Alzheimer's Society has been Bupa's nominated charity, over 19,000 people have taken part in a Bupa Great Run and raised over £2 million.  I urge people to sign up and join me and help to up that total to £3 million.'

There are still limited running places available for the Bupa London 10,000 until 5 May 2011.  You can register by visiting alzheimers.org.uk/greatrun and find information on taking part in other Bupa Great Runs.

Dr Graham Stokes, director of dementia care, 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.'