BBC stars to run Olympic marathon route for Alzheimer's Society

Shaun, who also starred in the recent box office hit The Woman in Black, will be running through St James' Park for the second year in a row, joined by his brother-in-law Sam Cameron and fellow actor Nigel Whitmey, star of Hustle, Murphy's Law and Saving Private Ryan.

The Bupa London 10,000 was Shaun's first experience of an organised run in May 2011. He chose to support Alzheimer's Society after working on a dementia storyline for the BBC psychological thriller Exile, where the main character, played by Jim Broadbent had Alzheimer's disease.

Shaun said:

'The storyline in Exile and the experiences of friends and colleagues are a reminder of the devastating impact dementia has, not only on those directly affected, but on their families and loved ones.  More resources are desperately needed to support people with dementia today and find a cure for tomorrow.  I am proud to run for Alzheimer's Society again this year, and am excited about taking on the challenge.'

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

'We are delighted that Shaun is taking on the Bupa 10,000 again for us this year and recognise the time and energy he's put into preparing for the run. As a charity, we rely on the generosity of individuals like him to help people live well with dementia today and fund research to find a cure for tomorrow. On behalf of the charity, I hope his training is going well and wish him the best of luck in the race.'

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Photographs available. For enquiries or to arrange an interview please contact:
Press Office 0207 423 3595 Email: press@alzheimers.org.uk

Notes to editors:

• One in three people over 65 will die with dementia
• Alzheimer's Society research shows that 800,000 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