Celebrities are making their mind up to run the Virgin London Marathon for Alzheimer’s Society

Jay, who is currently touring with the reformed band 30 years after their Eurovision winning hit, Making Your Mind Up, topped the charts, is running in honour of her father, Edward, who died with Alzheimer's disease.

Jay said,

'I'm running in honour of my dad who died last Christmas after having Alzheimer's disease for 10 years.  It's an awful, long drawn out and painful grief for the person who has the disease and their family and loved ones.  We lived in an isolated area and it was difficult to get carers and there wasn't a huge amount of support.  I turned to Alzheimer's Society for help and advice and I felt they were severely under-funded. That's why I'm here today.'

Ricky Wilson is lead singer with indie band Kaiser Chiefs who have enjoyed worldwide success with songs such as Oh My God, I Predict a Riot and Ruby, since their 2005 album Employment went five times platinum.  The father of fellow band member, drummer Nick Hodgson, has Alzheimer's disease.

Ricky says,

'Nick's dad has Alzheimer's disease despite being only 60 years old.  Research is essential to find a cure for this terrible disease and at the moment this research is hugely under-funded.  Your sponsorship money can help the lives of everyone affected; people with dementia and their carers.'

Aiming to complete the course in under four hours, ten times World Rowing Champion and winner of four Olympic golds, Matthew Pinsent, is also running for Alzheimer's Society.

Matthew says,

'I know lots of people who have been affected by dementia and it's a growing problem.  Alzheimer's Society is a fantastic charity and the money raised from the Virgin London Marathon will fund research and support people with dementia and their carers.'

Asked if he had any tips for fellow runners, Matthew added,

'Training's been going well.  I got up to 19 miles which was a bit painful, but I'm feeling confident.  Just stick to your plan.  It's a long race so you don't want to start too fast.'

Alzheimer's Society National Events Manager, Anna McCaughley, said,

'We are delighted to have Jay, Ricky and Matthew's support for this amazing event.  One in three people over the age of 65 will die with dementia and we rely on voluntary donations to continue our vital work.  We are grateful for everyone's support and wish them the very best of luck.'

- 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. In less than 10 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