Leading sports figures unite to raise over £300,000

Unifying the world of sport behind the dementia cause

Taking to the hallowed turf of Lord’s Cricket Ground, 100 people walked 100 laps of the outfield for Alzheimer's Society.
 
The inaugural Your Hundred at Lord’s, spearheaded by Alzheimer’s Society Ambassador and Chair of its Sport United Against Dementia (SUAD) Board, Richard Thompson, has raised over £310,000.

Richard has experienced dementia’s devastation first-hand after losing both parents to the condition. As a result, Richard has been instrumental in unifying the world of sport behind dementia, raising much needed awareness and crucial funds, and ensuring cricket remains accessible to people affected by dementia.

Raising awareness of dementia through cricket

In true cricketing-style, the fundraiser featured dedicated breaks for Lunch and Tea before ending with participants walking up the iconic steps into the historic Long Room in the Pavilion for celebratory refreshments.

Joining Richard throughout the day included former England and Arsenal footballer, Martin Keown; TV and Radio presenter, Jamie Theakston, whose father lives with dementia; Alex Kay-Jelski, Director of BBC Sport; Guy Kinnings, Chief Executive Officer of the DP World Tour; Andrew Georgiou, President of Warner Bros. Discovery for the UK and Ireland, and many more.

Sport United Against Dementia

Richard Thompson, Alzheimer’s Society Ambassador and Sport United Against Dementia Chair and Founder, said:

'To see so many people, from all walks of life and sports unite to raise awareness of dementia, is exactly why Alzheimer’s Society’s Sport United Against Dementia campaign was created.'

'Dementia’s devastation is profound and I know this first-hand after losing both parents to the condition - it is what drives me to make a difference.'

Sport has a central role to play in ending dementia’s devastation and we must continue to build on this momentum.

'I’d like to thank every single person who walked, donated and helped raise awareness. This is the first ‘Your Hundred’, not the last. As we look to build this into an annual, global event, I challenge the heads of all the other Cricketing NGB’s to get involved so we can continue to provide support to people affected by dementia today and develop the treatments of tomorrow.'

Dementia affects carers and loved ones too

Martin Keown, former England and Arsenal footballer, said: 

'My mother, Angela has Alzheimer’s disease and currently resides in a care home. It has been heart breaking to watch this strong, independent woman deteriorate and become a shell of her former self.'

The effect dementia has on everyone it touches is devastating – not just for the person living with it but their carers and loved ones too.

For too long, dementia has not been prioritised and lags behind other major health conditions in terms of awareness, research and fundraising. It simply isn’t good enough.

'This is why I’ve supported Alzheimer’s Society and this incredible event. People affected by dementia deserve better and the funds raised will go a long way in providing support and creating a brighter future.'

Fundraising for dementia support services 

Michelle Dyson CB, Alzheimer’s Society CEO, said: 

'We are immensely grateful to Richard, the team at Marylebone Cricket Club, and everyone who took part, for making this event the success it was.'

'Dementia is the UK’s biggest killer and too many people are facing dementia without the help they desperately need. The money generously donated as part of this unique event will ensure our support services can continue to be a lifeline for every person affected by dementia.'

The end of World Alzheimer's Month 2026

With the end of Your Hundred at Lord’s, the curtain closes on World Alzheimer’s Month. 

Throughout the month Alzheimer’s Society has united the world of sport by partnering with leading organisations including TNT Sports, Sky Sports, TalkSPORT, the DP World Tour, League Managers Association, and more, to raise awareness of dementia.