Dame Barbara Windsor has thanked the public after donations to Barbara’s Revolutionaries, her husband’s team running the Virgin Money London Marathon, hit £100,000 with two days to go.
Scott Mitchell is raising money for Dementia Revolution on Sunday alongside a team of EastEnders stars past and present including Jake Wood (Max Branning) and Adam Woodyatt (Ian Beale).
Dame Barbara, 81, who became a household name in Carry On films and playing pub landlady Peggy Mitchell in EastEnders, was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease in 2014.
She said: “I am truly overwhelmed by the generosity of the British public in helping Barbara’s Revolutionaries raise a staggering £100,000 towards the Dementia Revolution so far.
“I am so touched that Scott and the rest of the wonderful team of Barbara’s Revolutionaries have taken on this marathon challenge for me and the 850,000 people living with dementia.
“I’m heartened by every single donation that has been made – however big or small. Your messages of support and encouragement mean so much to me.
“Thank you, from the bottom of my heart.”
Scott, who has been training since October, will celebrate his 56th birthday on the day of the marathon. He said he was “over the moon” about hitting the target.
National treasure Dame Barbara Windsor is living with dementia. Please show your support for her friends and family as they take on @LondonMarathon for #DementiaRevolution and lead the charge towards a cure. Text 'BABS £5' to 70660 to donate £5 or visit https://t.co/1RGClDvOin pic.twitter.com/PTkQZ6bsJM
— Dementia Revolution (@DementiaRev) April 24, 2019
“Everything to do with this marathon challenge has taken my breath away – from the training, to the unrelenting public support,” he said.
“I am absolutely over the moon that we were able reach our original target of £100,000 before race day. I’ve read every single message of support, probably several times over.
“I will certainly have those words of encouragement in mind as I’m running the course. The whole Barbara’s Revolutionaries team and of course Barbara herself are so grateful for every single donation – we all thank you so much.”
Campaign manager for Dementia Revolution Nina Ziaullah said: “We’ve been truly overwhelmed by the public support for the Dementia Revolution, and Barbara’s Revolutionaries.
“Barbara and Scott’s experience has touched the hearts of thousands of people across the UK and beyond, and reflect the day-to-day experiences that so many affected by dementia are facing today.”
Barbara’s Revolutionaries can be sponsored at https://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/Barbarasrevolutionaries