Robbie Savage raises money for dementia charity at Bupa Great North Run

Ex-premier league footballer Robbie Savage has completed a half marathon to raise over £2,500 for Alzheimer’s Society.

Mr Savage was running in memory of his father Colin who had a less common form of dementia called Pick’s Disease and passed away in March last year, aged 64.

Completing the 13.4 mile run in one hour 58 minutes, Mr Savage said: “I've faced a lot of challenges on the pitch but watching my father and my hero battle against dementia was the biggest of my life.

“Despite the rain, today has been fantastic. It’s been great to see so many other people running for Alzheimer’s Society. The cheer points near the beginning and end of the course really kept me going and reminded me exactly why I’m taking part.

“As a proud ambassador of Alzheimer's Society, I can't speak highly enough of the work they do to support people living with dementia, their carers and families.”

Mr Savage was part of a team of 1,200 runners who took part in the Bupa Great North Run to raise money for the charity which works to improve the lives of people living with the disease.

The footballer was also a contestant in the popular Saturday night TV show Strictly Come Dancing in 2011 where he came sixth and is now a pundit for BBC Radio 5 live.

Liz Monks, director of fundraising at Alzheimer’s Society said: “Robbie, like many of our runners, has faced dementia in his family and understands the impact of the condition which currently affects 800,000 people across the UK. We’re so proud to have had Robbie leading Team Alzheimer’s Society at the Bupa Great North Run.

“As a charity, we rely on the generosity of people like Robbie to help us continue our vital work. There is still time to sponsor him, so please back Robbie’s fundraising efforts so that Alzheimer's Society can continue leading the fight against dementia.”