Alzheimer’s Society announces actor Suranne Jones as Ambassador
BAFTA-winning star unites with leading dementia charity and urges fans to support its Trek26 fundraising campaign.
Award-winning actor Suranne Jones has today expressed her determination to help people affected by dementia, following her appointment as an Alzheimer’s Society Ambassador.
With the number of people living with dementia across the UK set to rise to one million by 2025, the Gentleman Jack actor will help the leading dementia charity on its mission to power research breakthroughs to improve care and find a cure, challenge perceptions and provide support.
Suranne, who won a coveted BAFTA for her starring role in Doctor Foster, has accepted the role of Alzheimer’s Society Ambassador, as her late mother lived with dementia for eight years, sadly passing away in 2016.
Speaking about the Alzheimer’s Society Ambassador role, Suranne said:
“There are currently 850,000 people living with dementia in the UK, so I’m honoured to have been asked to be an official Ambassador for Alzheimer’s Society, which I proudly accept on behalf of myself and my mother. I have supported Alzheimer’s Society for some time now and I’ve been hugely impressed at the charity’s dedication to improve the lives of people affected by dementia and create a world without dementia in the future.
She has been an avid supporter of Alzheimer’s Society for many years, having previously backed its flagship fundraising campaigns Memory Walk and Cupcake Day as well as the charity’s TakeOn12 challenge.
She has also taken on a trek of her own in the Scottish Highlands to raise even more money for the charity. The gruelling challenge proved to be an uplifting experience for Suranne and prompted her to urge fellow fundraisers to join her in stopping dementia in its tracks this summer by taking part in Alzheimer’s Society’s Trek26 events.
Trek 26 will see people taking on a 13 or 26-mile trek in some awe-inspiring locations across the UK:
- June 6 - London
- July 4 - Brecon Beacons
- July 18 - Lake District
- August 8 - Hadrian’s Wall
- August 22 - Dartmoor
- September 12 – Stonehenge
“I did a Ben Nevis Midnight trek with a friend whose grandma had dementia - we found it equally challenging and thrilling and it gave us both time to reflect on our similar situations,” Suranne added.
“I believe in challenging yourself and experiencing situations that push you out of your comfort zone, which is, of course, what people with dementia, carers and families face every day.
“Dementia is the UK's biggest killer – someone develops dementia every three minutes – so in the 10 hours it takes to complete an average 26-mile trek, that’s 200 people who will develop dementia in the UK.
“But every penny raised by people taking on a Trek 26 event will help Alzheimer’s Society find a cure, improve care and help support people affected by dementia. Trek26 is a great way to show support and I’m thrilled to be leading the charge to encourage people to get involved.”
Alzheimer’s Society is committed to spend at least £150 million on research over the next decade. As a founding funder of the UK Dementia Research Institute (UKDRI), Alzheimer’s Society has invested £50m to power discoveries to prevent, treat and care for people with all types of dementia, as well as understanding how to keep the brain healthy.
Commenting on Suranne’s new ambassadorial role, Jeremy Hughes, CEO at Alzheimer’s Society, said: “We’re delighted Suranne has joined us as an Ambassador because she shares our determination that nobody should face dementia alone and without adequate support.
“By uniting with Alzheimer’s Society, Suranne has already helped us raise valuable funds to change the landscape of dementia and ultimately find a cure. I know that by formally stepping up her support, she will make an even greater difference to people affected by dementia.”
If you would like to take part in Trek 26, click HERE to sign up today.
