Alzheimer’s Research UK: Dedicated parkrunners close in on £2 million raised for dementia research

Alzheimer’s Research UK and parkrun UK will be extending their partnership into 2023 as parkrunners close in on the milestone of £2 million raised for dementia research.

The partnership between the UK’s leading dementia research charity and parkrun UK, which provides free and inclusive weekly 5km events around the country, was launched in January 2015.

Thousands of parkrunners have supported Alzheimer’s Research UK over the last eight years and have raised £1.98 million in that time. They’ve done this through a range of activities – including completing fundraising challenges such as the charity’s Running Down Dementia virtual challenge and running events such as the TCS London Marathon – as well as making personal donations to the cause.

The partnership has also played an important role in spreading the message of the charity’s Think Brain Health campaign. In doing so, it’s helped highlight how leading a healthy lifestyle and being socially active can help protect our incredible brains and reduce the risk of dementia.

Hilary Evans, Chief Executive of Alzheimer’s Research UK, said: “We are incredibly grateful that over the last eight years so many parkrunners have got behind our cause. Many of them are motivated to support us because they have seen loved ones affected by dementia.

“Dementia is one of society’s biggest medical challenges – one in three people born today will develop dementia in their lifetime unless we bring about preventions and treatments.

“But our amazing supporters and brilliant partners, like parkrun, are helping us power world-class studies to make life-changing breakthroughs for people with dementia. Breakthroughs that will keep them connected to their families, their worlds and themselves for longer.

“We are delighted to continue our partnership with parkrun into 2023. We are excited about what we can achieve in the future, both in terms of parkrunners’ further support for research and in their continued efforts to raise awareness of dementia. This includes supporting parkrunners by empowering them to protect their brain health by being physically and socially active.”

Stuart Lambie, 63, from Shrewsbury, got into running in his late 50s through his local parkrun and was then inspired to support Alzheimer’s Research UK in honour of his dad, Ian, who died with Alzheimer’s disease in 2020. Stuart has raised thousands of pounds for dementia research having run the 2021 London Marathon and 2022 Edinburgh Marathon and is aiming to run the London Marathon again in April.

He said: “It was parkrun that helped me get into running and then it was parkrun that led me to Alzheimer’s Research UK. When a friend pointed out that they are the official charity partner, it felt like it was the perfect fit for me as at that time my dad was living with Alzheimer’s disease.

“Running helped me cope with the heartbreak of losing my dad to Alzheimer’s disease, so it’s great to be able to use my running to support dementia research.

“It’s amazing to think back to that very first parkrun and to think that I’m now running marathons and raising money for a cause that is so close to my heart.

“I’m so honoured to be a parkrunner and supporter of Alzheimer’s Research UK and I’m so proud of what these two fantastic organisations are achieving together.”

Russ Jefferys, Chief Executive of parkrun UK, said: “We’re really proud of our long-standing partnership with Alzheimer’s Research UK and are delighted that we’ve extended our contract for the year ahead.

“We know that a healthy lifestyle and being socially active helps to reduce the risk of dementia later in life. parkrun communities up and down the country are providing a place for people to find connections with others, and helping people to lead a more active lifestyle.

“Sadly dementia impacts so many of us, whether personally or knowing a loved one who has dementia. It’s no surprise that the parkrun community has totally embraced the partnership over the years. I’m sure that support will continue into 2023 and it won’t be long until we reach two million pounds raised towards life-changing breakthroughs.”

To find out more about Alzheimer’s Research UK’s partnership with parkrun go to www.alzheimersresearchuk.org/parkrun