Barbara Windsor's husband raises over £170,000 for Alzheimer's by running London Marathon

Scott Mitchell, husband of the late Dame Barbara Windsor has raised over £170,000 for Alzheimer’s Research UK by running the Virgin Money London Marathon on Sunday 3 October.

Mr Mitchell paid tribute to his wife Dame Barbara Windsor who died of Alzheimer’s in December 2020 by sporting an iconic photograph of a smiling Barbara from the sixties during her Carry On days.

The picture was also worn by Mr Mitchell’s brother-in-law and nephew, Laurence and Harry Alexander, who joined him for the race.

Mr Mitchell said: “Today’s race was just incredible – from the race itself to those who came out on to the streets to cheer us on, I’m going to be on cloud nine for a long time.

“It was tough – harder than two-and-a-half years ago but having Ba on my top and constantly in my thoughts just reminded me why I’m doing it.

“We need to find effective treatments for this devastating disease and I couldn’t be prouder to play a small part in bringing that day forward by supporting the vital work of Alzheimer’s Research UK.”

Mr Mitchell finished the race in five hours and 56 minutes.

Hilary Evans, chief executive of Alzheimer’s Research UK, said: “Scott is just the most phenomenal supporter of Alzheimer’s Research UK. As an organisation, we couldn’t be prouder of what he’s achieved today.

“We know Barbara would have been driving him on every step he took. Through Scott, she’s continuing to make a difference for future generations and that’s just the most incredible thing.”

Mr Mitchell 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.

'Dementia has had a devastating impact on our family'

Richard McCourt, best known for being one half of the comic duo Dick and Dom, also ran the Marathon in memory of his mum, Helen, who died with frontotemporal dementia (FTD), also known as Pick’s disease, in 2010, aged just 64.

Mr McCourt said: “It’s been 10 years since I last ran the London Marathon and I’m doing it again! As you can imagine, it’s no easy feat and it was one of the toughest challenges I’ve ever done.

“Dementia has had a devastating impact on our family.

“In 2004, we noticed that Mum was getting confused at home and in her work. At just 58, she was diagnosed with FTD. She sadly passed away in 2010, aged 64.

“Over the past 10 years, we have also lost her sister, Jean, and her brother, Peter, at a similar age to this terrible disease. My grandad, Ronald, also passed away with a form of early-onset dementia, which we suspected was also FTD.”

Other celebrities who raised money for the charity is EastEnders star Tanya Franks, whose stepfather Derek is living with Alzheimer’s disease, West End actress Carrie Hope Fletcher and health and fitness advocate Steph Elswood, who lost her grandfather Roy to dementia.

Ms Evans added: “I’d also like to say a big congratulations to all our runners who completed this extra special Virgin Money London Marathon. You’re all amazing.”

To sponsor Scott Mitchell, go to www.justgiving.com/damebarbara

To sponsor Richard McCourt, go to https://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/RichardMcCourt