A FUNDRAISER from North Yorkshire is gearing up to take part in this year’s York 10K run to help support research into a devastating illness that affected his great-grandmother.

Nurse Sam Holmes, 32, is taking part in the event – part of the Jane Tomlinson Run For All Series set up in memory of the fundraising heroine – on August 5 in support of research into Alzheimer’s disease.

The 32-year-old, from Northallerton, will be lining up with about 6,000 runners who are expected to line the city’s streets in the fourth York 10K, raising hundreds of thousands of pounds for charities in memory of the sporting and fundraising legend.

For Sam, the event will be a chance to raise vital funds for the Alzheimer’s Society in memory of his great-grandmother, Gwendoline.

Sam said the charity was close to his heart and he had been busy pounding the streets in preparation for the summer event.

He said: “I have been training for this for the past month so with another few months to go I hope it pays off. I would like to raise as much funds and awareness of Alzheimer’s as possible.

“My great-grandmother Gwendoline had the disease and was nursed at the old Clifton hospital.

“I currently work at Ridgeway hospital in Middlesbrough and have been going running with some of the patients to get even fitter.”

Jo Swinhoe, director of fundraising and marketing at Alzheimer’s Society, said the charity was “delighted” Sam was running the 10k.

“As a charity, we rely on the generosity of individuals like Sam to help us care for people today and find a cure for tomorrow,” he said.

‘One in three people over 65 will die with dementia. It is more than just memory loss; it robs people of their lives and has a devastating impact on families and loved ones.

“Please back Sam in his fundraising efforts so that we can continue leading the fight against dementia.”

Sam is hoping to raise £500 for Alzheimer’s Society. To help him reach his target, visit justgiving.com/sam-holmes4