Nicolas Le Novère will be taking on the ‘London 2 Cambridge Challenge’, where he plans to run 100km, starting at Stratford’s Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park in London and ending in Cambridge, near where he lives in Sawston.
The 47-year-old started running three years ago with his daughter’s encouragement. Marie, who is 19 (pictured with Nicolas), began running too and they gradually built up their endurance together. Nicolas decided to go the extra mile and set himself a mammoth challenge in the form of an ultra-marathon, which he’ll complete in one day on 2 July.
He aims to raise at least £1,000 for Alzheimer’s Research UK, which will help to power world class studies into prevention, improved diagnosis and new treatments for dementia.
Nicolas, who is originally from France, works as a neurobiologist in Babraham. He is part of a team working to understand the biology of Alzheimer’s disease, so knows how necessary funding for dementia research is.
But it is personal experience that has really spurred Nicolas on to support Alzheimer’s Research UK. His family has a genetic background of dementia and his grandmother, Edmee Le Novère, was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s five years ago. Testing has shown that Nicolas carries an APOE4 allele, which increases his chance of developing dementia.
Familial or genetic Alzheimer’s is rare, but dementia itself is not. There are 44 million people across the world living with the condition.
Nicolas said: “Alzheimer’s disease is a problem for everyone, and it is only increasing. It is an issue for society as a whole. Dementia has struck my family, as it has for many others. I’m supporting Alzheimer’s Research UK, as it’s the leading UK charity funding research to fight the condition.”
Nicolas’ grandmother is still in the early stages of Alzheimer’s. It is mainly her short-term memory that is affected, but dementia can cause many other symptoms, including confusion, disorientation and changes in behaviour.
Later symptoms can involve communication difficulties, hallucinations and trouble thinking and making decisions. Most people will gradually require more help with daily activities, such as dressing, washing and eating.
Jessica Hiscocks, Regional Fundraising Officer for Alzheimer’s Research UK, said: “Dementia has a huge impact on our society, with around 23 million people in the UK knowing a close friend or family member with the condition.
“We want to say a big thank you to Nicolas for taking on this challenging run to support Alzheimer’s Research UK. The money raised will go towards pioneering dementia research, which could change the lives of millions of people across the world.”
To sponsor Nicolas, visit www.justgiving.com/nicolas-le-novere. Find out more about the event at www.london2cambridgechallenge.com.
For further information about Alzheimer’s Research UK, or to find out more about fundraising for the charity, call 0300 111 5555 or visit www.alzheimersresearchuk.org.
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For further information, please contact Katy McIntosh, Media Officer at Alzheimer’s Research UK, on 0300 111 5 666 or email [email protected]