Bupa partners with Alzheimer's charities for second year 'running'

Bupa, UK leading healthcare provider, is to continue its successful partnership with Alzheimer's Society and Alzheimer Scotland for the Bupa Great Run Series in 2010.

The partnership, which raised a staggering £1 million in 2009, is proof of the three partners' shared commitment to continue to raise awareness of dementia.

Alzheimer's Society estimates that there are 700,000 people in Britain with Alzheimer's disease (or another form of dementia) and this figure is expected to double over the next thirty years due to the nation's aging population. 

Dr Graham Stokes, director of dementia care at Bupa Care Services said: "Bupa, Alzheimer's Society and Alzheimer Scotland are working together to support people with dementia today and find a cure for tomorrow. Signing up to support the Alzheimer's charities in a Bupa Great Run means you can get fit, help reduce your risk of dementia and raise money for a very worthwhile cause."

Jo Swinhoe, director of fundraising and marketing at Alzheimer's Society said: "This is great news. The Bupa Great Run Series is a fantastic opportunity to get lots of people involved, raise awareness of the issues surrounding dementia and most importantly raise the money we need to fund our work.  Raising just £20 could support a researcher for a day with the equipment and chemicals needed to develop better treatments in the fight against dementia."

Henry Simmons, chief executive at Alzheimer Scotland said: "We are extremely pleased to be Bupa's nominated charity for the Great Runs in 2010. I took part in the Bupa Great Edinburgh Run last year and found it to be an incredibly positive experience. We look forward to making every step count for dementia in the New Year."

Bupa has sponsored the Great Run Series for 17 years, and last year helped raise over £28 million for charity with almost £1 million helping to fight dementia.

Alzheimer's Society and Alzheimer Scotland are calling for runners to support them in one of the 2010 Bupa Great Runs across the country.  For further details visit alzheimers.org.uk/greatrun or telephone 0870 417 0192.   Runners in Scotland can visit alzscot.org or telephone 0845 260 0789.