Alzheimer's Society gives TV's Gail Porter a marathon challenge!

The London Marathon is the ultimate running challenge. By registering for a place with the Alzheimer's Society you will raise much needed funds that will help people with dementia and their carers across the country. This year 127 people ran on behalf of the Alzheimer's Society and raised a total of £130,000.

An estimated 30,000 runners will take to the capital's streets for the Marathon on Sunday 17 April 2005. Gail Porter is already in training for the event, she says:

'Running the London Marathon will be a huge challenge for me, but I'm delighted that by taking part I can give my support to the Alzheimer's Society and do my bit to raise awareness of this cruel disease. Dementia affects more than 750,000 people in the UK. I will be wearing my Alzheimer's Society T-shirt with pride and am urging as many other people as possible to apply for a place and join me in this exciting event.'

The Alzheimer's Society still has 31 Golden Bond places for the Flora London Marathon; the deadline for these is Friday 31 December.

Stephanie Smith, director of fundraising at the Alzheimer's Society says:

'This year marks the Society's 25th anniversary. Whilst much has been achieved in this time, fundraising events such as the Flora London Marathon are crucial in helping us further our important work into dementia research and continue our support for people with dementia and their carers.'

The Alzheimer's Society is offering two free flights to Paris for its top marathon fundraisers.

For more information on how to apply for an Alzheimer's Society Golden Bond place for the Flora London Marathon, please contact 0870 417 0192 or log on to www.alzheimers.org.uk/events

Notes for editors:

• The Alzheimer's Society is the UK's leading care and research charity for people with dementia and their carers and celebrates its 25th anniversary in 2004.
• The Alzheimer's Society was recently announced the Medical Journalists' Association Medical Charity of the Year for 2004. The Alzheimer's Society is the first organisation to win this award.
• Over 750,000 people in the UK have dementia. More than half have Alzheimer's disease.
• Dementia affects one in 20 people over the age of 65 and one in five over the age of 80.
• There are 18,500 people in the UK under the age of 65 with dementia.
• For information and advice on Alzheimer's disease or other forms of dementia call the Alzheimer's Society national helpline on 0845 300 0336.
• Our website address is: www.alzheimers.org.uk

For press or media enquiries or to arrange an interview please contact the press office on 020 7423 3595.