Leading sports stars to walk marathon fundraiser at Lord’s

Shining a spotlight on dementia with 100 laps

Taking place at the spiritual home of cricket, together they will walk 100 laps of the outfield of Lord’s Cricket Ground – equivalent to 50km or 31 miles, more than a full marathon – to shine a spotlight on dementia, the UK’s biggest killer. 

The fundraiser, 'Your Hundred at Lord’s', has been spearheaded by Alzheimer’s Society Ambassador and Chair and Founder of the charity’s Sport United Against Dementia (SUAD) Board, Richard Thompson.

Unifying the world of sport behind dementia

Richard has experienced dementia’s devastation first-hand as his father developed 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.

In true cricketing-style, the fundraiser will have dedicated breaks for lunch and tea before culminating with the famous walk into the pavilion and celebratory refreshments.

A unique fundraising event

Joining Richard for this unique fundraising event will be Michelle Dyson CB, Chief Executive Officer at Alzheimer’s Society; Alex Kay-Jelski, Director of BBC Sport; Guy Kinnings, Chief Executive Officer of the European Tour Group; Andrew Georgiou, President and Managing Director of Warner Bros. Discovery for the UK and Ireland, with many more names to be announced.

Sport United Against Dementia

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

'Sport has played a fundamental part of my life, shaped by my dad who adored cricket and many other sports. But sadly, I have witnessed dementia’s devastation in my own family first-hand too – it is why I have set up this event and proudly chair Alzheimer’s Society’s SUAD Board.'

Dementia is the UK’s biggest killer and the only way we will beat it is by working together, raising much needed awareness and funds that will provide crucial support, facilitate world-leading research and provide help and hope to all that need it.

Fundraising to give help and hope to those with dementia

Alex Kay-Jelski, Director of BBC Sport and SUAD Board member, said: 

'Earlier this year I was delighted to join Alzheimer’s Society’s SUAD board to play my part in the fight against dementia.

Walking 100 laps of the outfield of the home of cricket will be a challenge, but it's nothing compared to what people living with dementia and their loved ones face every day.

'Funds raised from this incredible event will help Alzheimer's Society continue to give people affected by dementia the help and hope they so desperately need.'

A unique fundraiser for dementia

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

'We are incredibly grateful to the team at Marylebone Cricket Club for their support in hosting Your Hundred at Lord’s, and to Richard Thompson for his efforts in organising such a unique fundraiser.  

Sport has the unrivalled ability to unite people, and I am pleased to see so many of our supporters coming together to take on this challenge. 

'Too many people are facing dementia without the help they need and deserve. The money raised from this event will help us fund our life-changing support services so no one is left to cope alone.'

Making a meaningful difference through sport

Alzheimer’s Society has a proud history of uniting the world of sport behind dementia. To date, Alzheimer’s Society has brought together leading sporting organisations, clubs, individuals and governing bodies to make a meaningful and long-lasting difference to people affected by dementia.