Scott Mitchell to run London Marathon for Alzheimer’s Research UK in memory of wife Dame Barbara Windsor

Scott, who was made an Ambassador of the charity in August, will be running alongside his brother-in-law and nephew, Laurence and Harry Alexander. Between them, they have already raised thousands of pounds towards vital dementia research.

Dame Barbara was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease – the most common cause of dementia – in 2014. She received global praise when she went public with her dementia diagnosis four years later, helping to raise awareness of a condition that affects nearly one million people across the UK today.

Since her death in December last year, aged 83, Scott has continued her incredible legacy alongside Alzheimer’s Research UK. A condolences page set up shortly after her passing was inundated with tributes and over £160,000 in donations to the charity. He has also publicly campaigned for more dementia research funding and been busy behind the scenes, sharing his and Barbara’s story to secure future support for Alzheimer’s Research UK.

Scott first ran the iconic 26.2-mile Virgin Money London Marathon two-and-a-half years ago to raise funds for Dementia Revolution – a record-breaking campaign from Alzheimer’s Research UK and Alzheimer’s Society, as charity of the year for the 2019 event.

Scott said Sunday’s event is his chance to thank everyone who has donated to Alzheimer’ Research UK in Dame Barbara’s memory.

“I have been astounded by people’s generosity ever since we lost Barbara. I want to repay that kindness by running this incredible course one last time. I know it won’t be easy, but Barbara will be in my thoughts throughout, as she always is, and she’ll push me over that finish line.

“This run is for everyone who has been through a similar journey with their loved-ones. Research is our best hope of overcoming dementia and knowing I can play a small part in bringing that day forward by supporting the work of Alzheimer’s Research UK means everything to me.”

Scott will join hundreds of other runners supporting Alzheimer’s Research UK at the start-line in Greenwich. Among them will be his friend and EastEnders star Tanya Franks, whose stepfather Derek is living with Alzheimer’s disease, West End actress Carrie Hope Fletcher, who is running for the charity and Papyrus UK, health and fitness advocate Steph Elswood, who lost her grandfather Roy to dementia, and TV presenter and one half of Dick and Dom, Richard McCourt, who lost his mother Helen to frontotemporal dementia (FTD) in 2010, aged just 64.

“It is so wonderful that our amazing Ambassador Scott Mitchell has joined our team of runners and is taking on the Virgin Money London Marathon yet again for Alzheimer’s Research UK. By taking part in this iconic event, he’s not only raising vital funds for research in memory of the most remarkable woman, but also helping to shine a much-needed spotlight on dementia and the importance of research to tackle it.

“We wish Scott and all our runners the very best of luck on race-day. The charity and our fantastic volunteers will be out in force to cheer everyone on and ensure it’s a day to remember.”

To sponsor Scott, go to