Age UK asks London Marathon runners for support

Age UK Calls on London Marathon runners to show their support for older people

Age UK, the new force combining Age Concern and Help the Aged, is urging runners who have secured a place in the Virgin London Marathon ballot to run for the Charity on Sunday 17th April and help support people in later life.

All runners who choose to go the extra mile and join the Age UK team will receive advice and support throughout their training, and can look forward to a post-race reception with refreshments, a goody bag and a massage to soothe aching muscles.

The Age UK running team includes 74-year-old Tom Harrison, who coaches other runners in his spare time and is in training to complete the 26.2 mile run in under four and a half hours.

Tom said: 'Running produces endorphins which make you feel so happy and invigorated, and I do love the atmosphere of the London Marathon. Over the years I've raised over £10,000 for Age UK - I just feel that we should do whatever we can to encourage older people to stay active. I'd urge anyone who has a place in this year's event to run for the Charity.'

Helen Parsons, Challenge and Running Events Fundraiser at Age UK, said: 'We have a fantastic team of runners who are passionate about making a difference to the lives of older people, including HelpAge International's Chief Executive Officer Richard Blewitt and Age UK's Chief Executive, Tom Wright! Places are still available for participants who have a place in the London Marathon, and we'd love to welcome some new runners on board.

'Whether you're a seasoned sprinter or it's your first time running a marathon, you'll be raising money to help Age UK provide a range of products and services to improve later life, including information and advice to enable older people access the benefits and services they need, practical support to help people in later life continue to live independently and social activities helping older people have fun, keep well and make friends.'

For further information on how to run for Age UK, please contact the Age UK Fundraising Events Team at events@ageuk.org.uk, visit www.ageuk.org.uk/events, or call 020 7239 1922 for more details.

- ENDS -

Note to Editors

1. For more information about Age UK please contact Lizzie Webster, Age UK Media Team, on 020 8765 7516 or e-mail lizzie.webster@ageuk.org.uk
2. Age UK is the new force combining Age Concern and Help the Aged, dedicated to improving later life.
3. Age UK provide free information, advice and support to over five million people; commercial products and services to over one million customers; and research and campaign on the issues that matter to people in later life. Our work focuses on five key areas: money matters, health and well being, home and care, work and training and leisure and lifestyle. We work with our national partners, Age Scotland, Age Cymru and Age NI (together the Age UK Family), our local Age UK partners in England and local Age Concerns. We also work internationally for people in later life as a member of the DEC and with our sister charity Help Age International.
4. Age UK is a charitable company limited by guarantee and registered in England (registered charity number 1128267 and company number 6825798). Age Concern England and Help the Aged (both registered charities), and their trading and other associated companies merged on the 1st April 2009. Together they have formed the Age UK Group ("we"). Charitable services are offered through Age UK and commercial products are offered by the Charity's trading companies, which donate their net profits to Age UK (the Charity).

Media contact: Lizzie Webster
Telephone: 020 8765 7516
Out-of-office hours: 07071 243 243