'I'll take up Gran’s baton to raise funds for Alzheimer’s Society in the Bupa Great North'
Published 9 September 2010
Newcastle actor Tony Scott George is running in the Bupa Great North Run on 19 September to raise funds for Alzheimer's Society in honour of his grandfather.
Twenty-three year old Tony, from Fenham, Newcastle upon Tyne, has signed up for the iconic half marathon in memory of his granddad,John George, who died just three months ago, after a 12 year battle against Alzheimer's disease.
Tony, also a presenter for Kids Music Shop DVDs, said he would be grateful for his followers to support his cause. He explained,
'Gran used to run to raise funds for Alzheimer's Society. She looked after our granddad with support from carers who did a fantastic job. I want to raise money to help people with dementia and their carers live well today and to fund research to find treatments in the future. Raising just £20 could support a researcher for a day with the equipment and chemicals needed to develop better treatments in the fight against dementia.'
Now almost seventy, Margaret still fundraises for Alzheimer's Society. Her recent challenge has been walking Hadrian's Wall and she was been featured in the local paper. Tony added,
'The Bupa Great North Run is a challenge, but Gran is an inspiration and it's in memory of Granddad, so it's definitely worthwhile. Thanks to Bupa, Alzheimer's Society was able to raise £1million to help fight dementia in 2009 - so this year it's looking to smash that target'.
Running alongside Tony on the Alzheimer's Society team will be model and presenter Nell McAndrew and Casualty actor and Hollyoaks heartthrob Andy Newton-Lee.
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 and to find a cure for the future, whilstimproving their quality of life and care. Both organisations share a commitment to fighting dementia and a belief in the health benefits of exercise. Signing up to support Alzheimer's Society in a Bupa Great Run means you can get fit, helping reduce your risk of dementia whilst raising money for a very worthwhile cause.'
