Eastenders star is running the Virgin London Marathon to raise money for Dementia charity

Eastenders actor Aykut Hilmi will be running the Virgin London Marathon in support of his father, who was diagnosed with dementia in 2005.

The money raised by his efforts will be donated to the Alzheimer’s Society, which supports the 800,000 people living with the condition in the UK.

Liz Monks, director of fundraising at the Alzheimer’s Society said: “We’re delighted that Aykut has chosen to put his fitness to the test in running a marathon in support of Alzheimer’s Society.

“We hope that his training goes to plan and wish him the best of luck on the day. By sharing his family’s experiences of dementia he’s helping to raise awareness of the condition and our search to help people live well with the condition today whilst we search for a cure tomorrow.”

Mr Hilmi has also appeared in films The Bourne ultimatum, Mamma Mia, and Nine and will be running his fifth marathon to date to raise awareness of the illness that his father Ali has suffered from for many years.

Mr Hilmi said: “I’ve been training hard but if the race gets tough, I’ll remember why I’m doing it. Because of his dementia, my dad doesn’t even recognise me when he is watching me on TV or a film. It’s been very tough for my family having to cope and I’m running for them and for Alzheimer’s Society who provide such great support to people affected by the condition.”

The 35 year old will be running the 26 mile route on 12 April 2013 which is starting in Greenwich and finishing in St James’s Park.

Since being founded in 1981 London Marathon runners have raised over half a billion pounds for charity.

Fundraisers supporting The Alzheimer’s society also will be taking part in sponsored running, cycling, trekking, swimming and sky diving and memory walk events throughout the year.