Nell McAndrew to lead team Alzheimer’s Society in Bupa Great North Run

Nell's grandad, Sam, was recently diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease and she will be running in honour of him.

 Experienced charity runner Nell, who has notched up several marathons and runs for good causes, says,

'I was so pleased to hear that Bupa has chosen Alzheimer's Society as their nominated charity for this year's Bupa Great North Run.  Our whole family have been devastated by grandad's diagnosis so I'm delighted to be able to give my support.  The money raised will improve the lives of people with dementia and their carers.  I hope runners of all levels will join me on the run and raise vital funds.'

 This is the second year Alzheimer's Society have been the nominated charity for the Bupa Great Run Series.  Director of Fundraising, Jo Swinhoe, said, 

'Thanks to Bupa, we were able to raise £1 million in 2009 to help fight dementia - this year we want to do even better and Nell's support is a fantastic boost.  She's an inspiration both as a runner and a tireless charity fundraiser and we're absolutely delighted to have her on board.' 

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

 'Alzheimer's Society and Bupa are working together across a range of projects to support people with dementia and their carers to find a cure for the future, whilst improving their quality of life and care. Both organisations share a commitment to fighting dementia and a belief in the health benefits of exercise.  Nell is a wonderful role model for aspiring runners and we're thrilled she's chosen to run for our nominated charity.'

To register to run the half marathon with Nell on the Bupa Great North Run visit alzheimers.org.uk/greatrun

- Ends -

Notes to editors

For enquiries please contact:

Alzheimer's Society                                      Bupa                         

Jayne Phenton                                             Michelle Gibb

T. 020 7423 3595                                            T. 020 7656 2667                               

 E. jayne.phenton@alzheimers.org.uk            E. gibbm@bupa.com

Alzheimer's Society

• One in three people over 65 will die with dementia.
• Alzheimer's Society research shows that 700,000 people in the UK have a form of dementia, 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 by 2051.
• Alzheimer's Society champions the rights of people living with dementia and the millions of people who care for them.
• Alzheimer's Society works in England, Wales and Northern Ireland
• Alzheimer's Society needs to raise money to help people live well with dementia today and for research 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 or visit  alzheimers.org.uk
  

Bupa

Bupa is a leading international healthcare company. Established in 1947, it has over ten million customers in more than 190 countries and employs over 52,000 people around the world. Its main interests are health insurance, care homes for young disabled and older people, workplace health services, health assessments and chronic disease management services, including health coaching and healthcare services in the home.

While Bupa's largest and original business is in the UK, it has significant operations around the world including Sanitas in Spain, MBF, HBA, Mutual Community in Australia, IHI in Denmark and Health Dialog in the US. Bupa also has businesses in Hong Kong, Thailand, Saudi Arabia, India, China and Latin America. In addition, Bupa Care Services owns care homes in Spain, Australia and New Zealand.

Bupa has no shareholders. Bupa reinvests its money to provide better healthcare for its customers, helping them to live longer, happier, healthier lives.

• Bupa is the largest owner/operator of care homes for older people in the UK.

• It is one of the largest organisations in the UK to be awarded the Investor in People quality standard, most recently in 2006.
• The company delivers highly-individualised care through its award-winning Personal Best initiative.
• It operates 301 nursing and residential homes with over 21,000 registered beds in the UK - more than 25 percent of which are registered for specialist dementia care.
• Approximately 70 percent of those who live in Bupa care homes receive state funding.