Alison’s family make a Stirling effort for Alzheimer’s Society taking part in the Bupa Great North Run

Pauline died in tragic circumstances as a result of the disease aged only 58.  Alison's father, John, aged 85, now cares for his second wife of thirty years, Barbara, who also has dementia.

Alison said:

'We're running in memory of my mother, but especially for my father.  We wanted to pay tribute to him and acknowledge all he has done to care for my mum and for Barbara.  He's not well and it's important that he knows how much we love and admire him'.

John had served as a Commando in the Royal Marines in the Second World War, signing up two months ahead of his eighteenth birthday.  After serving in Burma he returned home, aged just 21, and married Pauline.  Pauline was only 46 when she first showed symptoms of Alzheimer's disease. 

After Pauline's death, John remarried, but tragically his second wife, Barbara, has now developed vascular dementia and John is caring for her.

Alison added:

'I feel dementia has had such a huge impact on my life and that of my father's.  When my mother became ill, there was very little support or information, especially as she was so young.  It makes me so sad that my father now has to face it all again.  Alzheimer's Society is the nominated charity for this year's Bupa Great Run Series, so every penny raised will go to help improve the lives of people with dementia and their carers, and fund research to find a cure in the future.'

Alison has great support from her family and her three daughters will be running with her in the iconic half-marathon in Newcastle; Angela, 24, a nurse at St Thomas's Hospital in London, Emma, 22, who is studying English at Cambridge University, and Sophie, 19, also a student.

Almost 4,000 people will be taking part for Alzheimer's Society out of a total field of 53,000 runners on the run from Newcastle to South Shields, now in its thirtieth year.

Dr Graham Stokes, Director of Dementia Care, Bupa Care Services, said:

'Bupa is proud to help Alzheimer's Society in supporting dedicated carers like Alison's father. Over the next 15 years, more than a million people will develop dementia, so it's more important than ever that we continue to raise vital funds to support the thousands of amazing people who care for those with dementia.'

 -Ends-

Notes to editors:

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

Alzheimer's Society                                      Bupa                          

Jayne Phenton                                                 Joanne Hudson

T. 020 7423 3595/ 0774 704 6750               T. 020 7656 2273                               

E. jayne.phenton@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 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's purpose is to help people lead longer, healthier, happier lives. 

A leading international healthcare group, 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.

We are committed to making quality, patient-centred, affordable healthcare more accessible in the areas of wellness, chronic disease management and ageing.

Employing over 50,000 people, Bupa has operations around the world, principally in the UK, Australia, Spain, New Zealand and the USA, as well as Hong Kong, Thailand, Saudi Arabia, India, China and across Latin America. 

For more information, visit www.bupa.com.