Whitechapel actor to run the Reading Half Marathon for Alzheimer's Society

The South London actor can also be seen in the new television drama Titanic, written by Alzheimer's Society ambassador Julian Fellowes, where he plays Stoker Lyons. On 1 April 2012 he will take to Reading's streets after months of training in order to raise money for Alzheimer's Society.

Ben, who plays DC Mansell in Whitechapel, said:

'My grandmother was a bright, witty and very young at heart 91-year-old. She was a genius when it came to cryptic cross words, and always had a strong mind. So when I visited her in the last stages of her deterioration it was a huge shock.

'Like mental illness, we are all scared of what can happen to our minds, and seeing someone being so confused and looking so scared was a terrible thing to witness. When it happens to someone who you love it brings it home. It could happen to any of us.'

Ben's friend Mark Waters, who will be running the London Marathon for Alzheimer's Society, decided to take on the challenge after his father developed Alzheimer's disease.

Mark, 38, a university course leader from West Molesey, Surrey, said:

'My father was diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease less than a year and a half ago but his condition has recently been classed as severe.

'Running for Alzheimer's Society is making a real difference. So many people have contacted me with stories of how their loved ones have been affected by the condition and I cannot say how helpful that has been.

'Doing this event and raising this money also gives me something tangible to do in the face of an illness that makes you feel totally powerless and unable to help.'

To sponsor Ben or Mark visit their Justgiving pages at justgiving.com/ben-bishop1 and justgiving.com/Mark-Waters2.

-Ends-

Notes to editors:

• 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 ten years 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 supports people to live well with dementia today and funds research to find a cure for tomorrow. We rely on voluntary donations to continue our vital work. 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

Press Office: 0207 423 3595 Email: press@alzheimers.org.uk