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.
As well as Adam (Ian Beale) and Jake (Max Branning), several other 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, have joined formed running team Barbara’s Revolutionaries alongside her husband Scott Mitchell.
The group are raising money for Dementia Revolution, a year-long campaign from Alzheimer’s Society and Alzheimer’s Research UK, following the former ‘EastEnders’ actress’ diagnosis with Alzheimer’s disease in 2014.
Scott admits it is "heart-breaking" watching Barbara – 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."
Jake wrote on Twitter: "So proud to be supporting dementia revolution with Barbara’s husband Scott & the team from Eastenders (sic)"
At the time of writing, the team have already raised more than £27,000 of their £100,000 target.
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."
EastEnders stars to run marathon for Barbara Windsor
