Three women go on the run for Alzheimer’s Society in the Bupa London 10,000

They are all taking part in honour of their respective grandmothers who currently have, or died with, Alzheimer's disease.

Christine Brindley, 41, Lou Heslop, 37, and Jacquie Wines, 42, all say the 10k run will be a challenge, but they're motivated by a cause close to their hearts.

Christine's grandmother, Ada, was born in California, one of nine children whose father worked in the oil fields.  She battled through the Depression in the 1930s to pay her way to university and went on to become a dietician.  She had five children and died with Alzheimer's disease aged 91.  Christine said:

'She was an incredibly inspiring woman and we were very close.  I never thought I would enjoy running, but a friend recommended it to me about 18 months ago and I really enjoy it.  Running the Bupa London 10,000 seemed a great way to raise funds for an important cause whilst paying tribute to an exceptional lady.'

Lou Heslop's grandmother, Hilda, is 81 and now lives in residential care after being diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease around five years ago.  Lou said:

'After my grandfather died, my grandmother declined quite rapidly and she now has difficultly recognising people.  You feel quite powerless, but taking part in a Bupa Great Run for Alzheimer's Society enables you to do something positive and help to improve the lives of people with dementia and their carers.  In just 10 years a million people in the UK will be living with dementia, so it's something which will touch us all at some time.'

Jacquie Wines has fond memories of her grandmother, Alice, particularly of her playing with her great grandchildren.  Jacquie said:

'She was 91 when she died.  I always remember her playing with my children when they were little.  We tried to keep her at home for as long as we could manage, but eventually she needed specialist care.  She was a very special person and taking up the challenge like the Bupa London 10,000, feels like a great way to remember her.'

Around 260 people are taking part in the Bupa London 10,000 for Alzheimer's Society on bank holiday Monday.  The 10k run starts and ends in St James's Park and takes in some of the most historic sights in the capital.

Dr Graham Stokes, Bupa's director of dementia care, explains why Alzheimer's Society was a natural choice to be the nominated charity:

'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.'