Running doesn’t come easily to me. That’s why I chose it.’ Portsmouth woman takes on challenge of Bupa Great South Run for Alzheimer’s Society

Gill, aged 55 and from Hamble, explains:

'I am running in honour of my mum who faces an enormous challenge every day of her life because of dementia.  I chose to take part in the run because I'm not a natural runner so it will be a huge challenge for me.  By running for Alzheimer's Society, it means I can also raise funds to help people with dementia live well today, support their families and hopefully find a cure for the future.'

Gill's mother, Ann, has just turned 80, but developed vascular dementia about 10 years ago.  She is now resident in a care home, but Gill's 83 year old dad, Colin, goes to visit her every day.  They have been married for 57 years.

Gill says her family, including her two brothers and her sister, had noticed their mum was getting forgetful, but it was some time before they shared their concern between them.  She added:

'It's been heartbreaking to see her condition deteriorate and devastating for my dad and the whole family.  I wanted to do something to show how important this issue is.' 

'One in three of us over the age of 65 will die with dementia, so it's something which will touch all our lives at some time.'

Of the 750,000 people in the UK living with dementia, they are 2,200 people with the condition in Portsmouth alone. 

Leading the Alzheimer's Society team are comedian and 'Outnumbered' actor Hugh Dennis, Daybreak's Dr Hilary Jones and the voice of M&S food and star of 'Ballykissangel' and BBC drama 'The Silence', actress Dervla Kirwan.

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, 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. 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.'

-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 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
  

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.