Alzheimer’s Society supporter Jamie Darling is a dab hand at the local aquarium

Watching aquatic fish has been shown to make people feel calmer and more relaxed which can be hugely beneficial for people with dementia. The local Alzheimer's Society decided to put this theory to the test.

Jamie joined a group of local people with dementia in a fish handling session and revealed that as a four year old in his native Australia, he was fixated on fish and used to spend all day fishing with a curtain hook and no bait. Alzheimer's Society Sunderland organises an outing for the group every week, part of a programme of activities to support people with dementia and their carers.

Jamie, who is running in the Bupa Great North 10K on 18 July for Alzheimer's Society, said,

'It's marvellous to have a break from training and witness first hand the fantastic work that Alzheimer's Society does. We've all had a very relaxing and entertaining day. I hope people in Sunderland will run with me on Sunday for Alzheimer's Society. The money raised will help improve the lives of people with dementia and their carers and make events like today possible.'

This is the second year that Alzheimer's Society is the nominated charity for the Bupa Great Run Series and Jamie is running in all the remaining runs; the Bupa Great Yorkshire Run, the Bupa Great North and the Bupa Great South.

Jamie added,

'Last year £1 million was raised to fight dementia. This year we want to beat that target. The money raised will help people with dementia live well today and find a cure for tomorrow'.  

To register for a run and help beat dementia visit alzheimers.org.uk/greatruns

- Ends -

Notes to editors:

For enquiries or to arrange an interview or photo op please contact:

Alzheimer's Society                                          Bupa                         
Jayne Phenton                                                Jo Hudson
T. 020 7423 3595                                            T. 020 7656 2273                              
E. press@alzheimers.org.uk                            E. joanne.hudson@bupa.com

Alzheimer's Society:

• One in three people over 65 will die with dementia.
• Alzheimer's Society research shows that 750,000 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

About Bupa

Bupa's purpose is to help people live longer, healthier, happier lives.  
We do this by providing a broad range of healthcare services, support and advice to people throughout their lives.
A leading international healthcare provider, we offer personal and company health insurance, run care homes for older people and hospitals, and provide workplace health services, health assessments and chronic disease management services, including health coaching, and home healthcare. 
With no shareholders, we invest our profits to provide more and better healthcare.
This means our thousands of dedicated staff can focus their efforts on looking after millions of people all over the world.
We are committed to making quality, affordable, patient-centred healthcare more accessible in the areas of wellness, chronic disease management and ageing.

Blue Reef Aquarium in Tynemouth

Blue Reef is one of the UK's leading aquariums with a commitment to providing education about the marine environment but in a fun and entertaining way. For more information visit bluereefaquarium.co.uk/tynemouth.htm