A SUPERMARKET chain boss will taking part in this month's London Marathon, in aid of a dementia research charity.

Iceland Foods executive chairman, Richard Walker OBE, be joining thousands of others running the TCS London Marathon on Sunday, April 21, where he hopes to raise much-needed awareness and funds for Alzheimer's Research UK.

The 43-year-old was made an Ambassador of Alzheimer's Research UK in honour of his ongoing support for the charity. He first became a supporter after his mother, Lady Walker, was diagnosed with young-onset Alzheimer's disease in 2011 and sadly died in 2021.

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Since 2011, Iceland Foods Charitable Foundation has raised more than £5million for the UK's leading dementia research charity. Iceland Foods' headquarters is based in Deeside, Flintshire.

Richard's marathon effort comes less than 12 months after he climbed Mount Everest for another dementia cause, the Rare Dementia Support Centre.

The father-of-two said: "Dementia devastated my family and robbed my mother of some of the most precious years of her life. I know nothing I can do will replace what we've lost, but I can't rest knowing this condition is causing the same heartbreak to other families. We must find a way to stop dementia, which is why I'm proud to be an Ambassador for Alzheimer's Research UK and taking on the London Marathon in support of this vital cause.

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"I know running the marathon won't be easy, especially as I've only recently signed up and I'm behind where I should be with training! But all the effort to get to race day, and then to the finish line, will be so worth it because we will be taking a step closer towards a cure for dementia."

Richard added: "I can't wait to join thousands of others at the start line, and I wish everyone the best of luck for the final weeks of training."

If nothing changes, one in two people will be directly affected by dementia - either by developing the condition themselves, caring for someone with it, or both. Alzheimer's Research UK is determined to find a cure by investing in research to revolutionise the way the condition is treated, diagnosed and prevented.

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Hilary Evans, chief executive of Alzheimer's Research UK, said: "We're so grateful to Richard, and all our other runners, for taking on the iconic London Marathon to raise funds for a cure. Too many families have been torn apart by dementia and this cannot go on. Thankfully dementia research is making incredible progress and new treatments are in sight but the job is far from done.

"Thanks to the unwavering support of people like Richard, and organisations like Iceland Foods Charitable Foundation, Alzheimer's Research UK will change the ending for everyone affected by dementia. It's a matter of when, not if. We can't wait to cheer Richard and everyone else taking part for Alzheimer's Research UK on the day - good luck!"

• To support Richard's efforts, donate at his JustGiving page: tinyurl.com/5n8jted5