Louis Alexander completing world-first 8 Marathons in 8 days for Dementia Action Week

WHAT: In a world-first, British explorer, adventurer and two-time Guinness World Records holder Louis Alexander is completing The Australian Capitals Run - 8 Marathons across 8 Australian capital cities - to raise awareness and funds for Dementia Australia during Dementia Action Week. 

WHEN: Louis completes his 8th and final marathon on the first day of Dementia Action Week, Monday 15 September, arriving at Sydney’s iconic Bradfield Park between 10-11am AEST. 

This year’s Dementia Action Week theme is ‘Nobody can do it alone’. Dementia doesn’t just impact the person living with the condition and their immediate carers; it also impacts their family, friends and wider social network.  People living with dementia tell us that friends and family often drop away, not knowing how to interact with them once they have a diagnosis - leading to social isolation and loneliness. 

CALL TO ACTION: 

This Dementia Action Week, Dementia Australia is challenging everyone in the community to reach out and reconnect to someone impacted by dementia. Head to dementia.org.au/DementiaActionWeek for practical information, toolkits and resources. 

Help Louis reach his fundraising goal at https://fundraising.dementia.org.au/fundraisers/louisalexander 

SPOKESPEOPLE: Interviews are available with Dementia Australia representatives.  

Media contacts: Molly Bryan, Media and Communications Advisor 0457 851 765 [email protected] 

Evie Smith, Media and Communications Advisor 0426 513 927 [email protected] 

 
When talking or writing about dementia please refer to Dementia-Friendly Language Guidelines. 

Dementia Australia is the source of trusted information, education and services for the estimated more than 433,300 Australians living with dementia, and the more than 1.7 million people involved in their care. We advocate for positive change and support vital research. We are here to support people impacted by dementia, and to enable them to live as well as possible. No matter how you are impacted by dementia or who you are, we are here for you. 

For support, please contact the National Dementia Helpline on 1800 100 500. An interpreter service is available. The National Dementia Helpline is funded by the Australian Government. People looking for information can also visit dementia.org.au  

Note to Editors: 

We request, where possible, details for the National Dementia Helpline 1800 100 500 appear alongside news stories about dementia, as these stories often prompt questions or concerns:  

If this story has prompted any questions or concerns, please call the National Dementia Helpline 1800 100 500 (24 hours, 7 days a week) or visit dementia.org.au.