Terminally ill and seventy plus, but Daphne is determined to finish marathon for Alzheimer’s Society

Despite her condition, Daphne, from Norwich, is joining the other 350 Alzheimer's Society runners on 17 April and estimates it will take her at least seven hours to complete the 26 mile course.

Daphne, who was diagnosed with cancer of the bone marrow just over a year ago, said,

'As long as I'm still alive, I want to live.  I want to make the most of what I can do, while I can still do it, and raising money for research into Alzheimer's disease is the best use of my time.'

Daphne is running in honour of her husband of 53 years, Andy, who was diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease 11 years ago aged 67.  Both her mother and mother-in-law died with dementia and Daphne's father, Bill, now aged 100, also has Alzheimer's disease.  Daphne says,

'There are 750,000 people in this country with dementia and within ten years that figure will be over a million, so it is something which affects everybody at some time.'

Daphne has had more experience of dementia than many since Andy's mum, Edith, developed Alzheimer's disease about 25 years ago.  Soon after that Daphne's own mother, Lily, showed signs of the disease.

In the past, Daphne has run half-marathons, including the Bupa Great North Run, and distances ranging from 5k to 20 miles, but because her bones are fragile and could easily fracture, has been advised by her doctors that she should walk the 26 mile course.  Daphne said,

'I started running just before I retired, to do something different with my life.   I joined the local running club which helped me to keep fit and make new friends.  Walking the marathon will be a much bigger challenge than actually running it.'

Alzheimer's Society's Chief Executive, Jeremy Hughes, said,

'Daphne is an incredible lady and an inspiration to all of us.  One in three people over the age of 65 will die with dementiaand we rely on voluntary donations to support people like Andy and Daphne.  We hope to raise £350,000 from the Virgin London Marathon this year.  We are grateful for everyone's support and hope people will cheer Daphne and the rest of the team across the finishing line on race day.'

You can support Daphne at http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/DaphneHathaway

- Ends -

Notes to editors:

For interviews or enquiries please contact:

Alzheimer's Society                                                            
Jayne Phenton                                              
T. 020 7423 3595/0774 704 6750                                                                             
E. jayne.phenton@alzheimers.org.uk

• 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.  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