Gladiator proves he’s smarter than a ten year old

Nick Aldis, aka Oblivion in the Sky1 series Gladiators, has shown that he has brains as well as brawn. The Gladiator, backed by a team of school children, answered questions based on the National Curriculum to win £100,000 on Sky1's hit quiz show 'Are You Smarter Than a 10 Year Old?' Nick took part in the show to raise money for Alzheimer's Society to help support people with dementia and the millions who care for them.

Nick Aldis, Gladiator and Alzheimer's Society supporter, says,

'Despite having a physical job, I believe the most important tool to anybody is their brain.  Dementia is a subject close to my heart, as my father has vascular dementia. My father is an intelligent and independent man but there are times when you feel powerless to help.

Dementia can take hold without being noticed and nobody is immune.  That's why I was determined to use my brain to raise money for Alzheimer's Society and I'm thrilled to have come out of this experience with a cheque for £100,000 and my reputation intact! I want to help both people with dementia and their families who, thanks to Alzheimer's Society, benefit so much from simply knowing that there is support there for them at the time they need it most.'

Neil Hunt, Chief Executive of Alzheimer's Society says,

'We were absolutely thrilled to hear of Nick's win. Alzheimer's Society needs to raise money to care for people today and find a cure for tomorrow  - £100,000 will make a big difference. It's great to have a Gladiator on board in our fight against dementia.'  

Celebrity Are You Smarter Than A Ten Year Old? Thursdays at 8pm from 30 April, only on Sky1 and Sky1 HD. www.sky.com/smarter

Gladiators. Sunday's at 6pm, only on Sky1 and Sky1 HD. www.sky.com/gladiators

Notes to editors

• 1 in 3 people over the age of 65 will die with dementia.
• Alzheimer's Society research shows dementia costs the UK £17 billion. This figure is predicted to treble in the next 30 years.
• 570,000 people have a form of dementia in England, more than half have Alzheimer's disease. In less than 20 years nearly a million people will be living with dementia. This will soar to 1.7 million people in UK by 2051.
• Dementia is not a natural part of ageing; it is caused by diseases of the brain and robs people of their lives.
• Alzheimer's Society champions the rights of people living with dementia and those who care for them. Alzheimer's Society works in England, Wales and Northern Ireland.
  
• Alzheimer's Society needs to raise money to care for people today and to find a cure for tomorrow. You can donate now by calling 0845 306 0898 or visiting alzheimers.org.uk
• Alzheimer's Society provides a National Dementia Helpline, the number is 0845 300 0336
• Sky1 is the most watched non-terrestrial entertainment channel in Sky homes, attracting more than 19m unique viewers every month. Sky1 distinguishes itself from rival networks with award-winning, exclusive US and home-grown drama, talked-about entertainment formats and distinctive factual entertainment series.

For more information please contact the press office on 0207 423 3595 or email press@alzheimers.org.uk