Local stars lead Alzheimer's Society team in Bupa Great Manchester Run

Coronation Street's Chris Gascoyne, half of duo Dick and Dom, Richard McCourt, and actress Samantha Giles will be taking part in the Bupa Great Manchester Run to raise funds for Alzheimer's Society.

They will be joined by the North's favourite bellydancer Sophie Mei and Rick Guard, the UK's own Michael Bublé, when the run gets underway this Sunday.

Chris, who has spoken publicly about the impact of his grandmother's dementia on his family when he was a young boy, is running alongside his wife Caroline. Of his decision to support Alzheimer's Society, Chris said,

'I'm proud to be running the Bupa Great Manchester Run in honour of my gran and to have my wife Caroline by my side. This is a cruel disease and people don't always realise the impact on families and loved ones. Alzheimer's Society has a crucial role in helping people with dementia and their carers by offering vital information and support. They rely on voluntary donations so every penny raised in a Bupa Great Run counts'.

This is the second year that Bupa has chosen Alzheimer's Society as the nominated charity and the second time that children's favourite Richard McCourt is running the Bupa Great Manchester Run for the charity. Richard says,

'Last year, over £1 million was raised from the Bupa Great Runs so I was thrilled to hear Bupa had picked Alzheimer's Society as the nominated charity again. 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. I'm delighted to be running again for such a fantastic cause.'

There are over 4,000 people with dementia in the City of Manchester alone. Though anyone can run for Alzheimer's Society many people are inspired to run because of a friend or loved one.

Shaun O'Donnell takes part in the Bupa Great Manchester Run every year, but this is the first time he has run for Alzheimer's Society. His mother, who had Alzheimer's disease, died in a tragic accident last year.

Shaun says, 'Mum was always very independent, seemed to cope well, and was in good physical health, but on days when she didn't feel 'well' she wouldn't go out. Sadly it seems that this day she did. I'm proud to be running in honour of mum to raise funds for Alzheimer's to help fight this horrendous disease'.

Dr Graham Stokes, Bupa's director of dementia care, explains why Alzheimer's Society was a natural choice to be the nominated charity:

'Alzheimer's Society and Bupa are working together across a range of projects to support people with dementia and their carers to find a cure for the future, whilst improving their quality of life and care. Both organisations share a commitment to fighting dementia and a belief in the health benefits of exercise. Signing up to support Alzheimer's Society in a Bupa Great Run means you can get fit, helping reduce your risk of dementia whilst raising money for a very worthwhile cause.'