Runners raise £350,000 for dementia charity

Runners at the London Marathon raised over £360,000 towards providing support for people living with dementia, a major charity has announced.

The Alzheimer's Society had 365 people running on its behalf, including four celebrity competitors.

Apprentice winner Yasmina Siadatan led the team, backed by former Oasis drummer Alan White, television presenter Richard McCourt and jazz singer Rick Guard.

The runners were cheered on by the charity's own team of supporters along the route.

Alzheimer's Society director of fundraising and marketing, Jo Swinhoe made it clear how important events like this were for the charity: "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 so every single mile which our fantastic team ran will help fund the charity's vital work."

According to the Alzheimer's Research Trust, Alzheimer's disease is the most common form of dementia, resulting in deteriorating mental functions such as memory, language and judgement.

Read more about Barchester's dementia care homes.