Adam Woodyatt and Jake Wood are among the EastEnders stars who have joined forces to raise £100,000 by running the London Marathon in support of Dame Barbara Windsor.
Jake – who plays Max Branning – said he was “proud to” be helping raise money for charity Dementia Revolution, set up by the iconic actress’ husband, Scott Mitchell.
The 46-year-old actor appeared on Good Morning Britain on Tuesday alongside Scott, where he told presenters Piers Morgan and Susanna Reid: “Barbara is much loved by all the cast at EastEnders. We wanted to do something to raise money and raise awareness of the condition.”
Other EastEnders stars getting involved include Walford regulars Natalie Cassidy (Sonia Fowler), Tanya Franks (Rainie Branning), Emma Barton (Honey Mitchell), Jamie Borthwick (Jay Brown), Jane Slaughter (Tracey the barmaid) and Kellie Shirley, who previously played Carly Wicks.
Jake wrote on Twitter: “So proud to be supporting dementia revolution with Barbara’s husband Scott & the team from EastEnders.”
The group are raising money for Dementia Revolution, a year-long campaign from Alzheimer’s Society and Alzheimer’s Research UK.
The charity tweeted a video of the group training, writing: “Introducing Barbara’s Revolutionaries! The team are taking on the @VirginMoney #LondonMarathon for the #DementiaRevolution in support of Dame Barbara Windsor. Help them raise £100k to power ground-breaking dementia research.”
Introducing Barbara's Revolutionaries! The team are taking on the @VirginMoney #LondonMarathon for the #DementiaRevolution in support of Dame Barbara Windsor. Help them raise £100k to power ground-breaking dementia research: https://t.co/1RGClDvOin pic.twitter.com/d6mDDFIpNc
— Dementia Revolution (@DementiaRev) January 8, 2019
They also shared the link where you can donate here – and they’ve raised nearly £30k so far!
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It follows a devastating interview with Babs’ husband, Scott Mitchell, about the progression of her dementia – which she was diagnosed with in 2014.
He admits it is “heart-breaking” watching Barbara, 81 – who has been living with dementia for nearly five years – struggle on a daily basis, and admitted she can feel “confused, disorientated, frustrated and afraid” at times.
He said: “Dementia can, and does, have a profound effect on daily life.
“It is heart-breaking for family and friends to watch a loved one struggle with day-to-day life and be slowly stripped of their memories.
“The same goes for the person living with dementia, who at times can feel confused, disorientated, frustrated and afraid. Sadly it has been no exception for Barbara.”
In June last year, Jake scooped a British Soap Award for Best Scene, and he dedicated the accolade to Barbara, who played Peggy Mitchell on the show from 1994 until 2016.
He said: “I want to send a big EastEnders hug to Barbara Windsor and her husband Scott. We love you very much, thank you very much.”
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