Runner takes the long road to the Great North Run

Nottingham runner takes the long road to run the Great North Run for Age UK

Neil Rostance, 25, from Mapperley in Nottingham is bracing himself for blisters as he and his friend run the equivalent of five marathons for Age UK, the new force combining Age Concern and Help the Aged.

The video designer will set off from Manchester, the home town of his running partner Colin Stewart, on Tuesday 14th September. The pair aim to run up to 30 miles each day, arriving in the city of Newcastle just in time to complete the Great North Run on Sunday 19th September.

Neil will be running 136 miles over six days to help raise £1,500 for Age UK. Neil said: "There's no doubt about it that we're facing a challenge, but this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity we've always wanted to do. Now I just can't wait to get my trainers on and get running.

"We're doing it for Age UK as it's such a worthy cause and one we'd like to do more to support. The issue of isolation and loneliness amongst people in later life is something that really strikes a chord with me. As I don't have the time to commit to volunteering on a regular basis, I felt this was a way to help make a difference by going the extra mile!"

Camilla Doyle, Fundraising Events Manager at Age UK said: "Neil and Colin have signed up to an amazing challenge, and we can't wait to cheer them on during the Great North Run. There is still room in our team for runners who have a place in the Great North Run and want to help raise funds for people in later life. Our runners will benefit from expert fundraising and training tips, a personalised running vest and a post-race goody bag - as well as an Age UK cheering point along the route spurring runners on!"

To support Neil and Stuart, visit www.justgiving.com/takethelongroad. For more information on running the Great North Run for Age UK, visit www.ageuk.org.uk/events or call 0207 239 1922.

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Notes to Editors

1. For more information, please call Lizzie Webster in the Age UK Media Team on 0208 765 7516 or email lizzie.webster@helptheaged.org.uk

2. Age Concern England and Help the Aged have joined together to form a single charity dedicated to improving the lives of older people. 

3. Age UK is inspired by the belief that it can improve the lives of people in later life. It celebrates ageing and believes it presents unprecedented opportunities and challenges at home and abroad. Age UK will challenge ageist prejudice in society, provide services that address market failures and support the public and private sectors to design age-friendly products and services. It will support people to remain in their own homes through campaigning and practical services and its Information and Advice service will offer millions of people support on a range of issues from claiming benefits to staying fit and healthy.

4. Age UK will fund biomedical research that helps tackle the ill health and poor quality of life that are too common as people age. Working with over 350 partners across the country, Age UK helps influence local decisions and delivers the most appropriate services. Its network of over 500 shops will act as a focal point for the local community, providing information and help with local services. Age UK works across the globe as well as in the UK, with its international partner, Help Age International, championing older people's rights and needs and as an active member of the DEC.

Media contact: Lizzie Webster
Telephone: 0208 765 7516