A star-studded troupe of actors tackled the TCS London Marathon at the weekend, raising money for Alzheimer’s Research UK whilst sporting images of the late Dame Barbara Windsor on their shirts.

Scott Mitchell, the husband of the late actress, paid tribute with many of his showbiz friends including Natalie Cassidy, Adam Woodyatt, Lacey Turner, and Heather Peace. The group were taking part in the marathon in aid of Alzheimer’s Research UK, a charity for which Scott has been an Ambassador since 2021.

Dame Barbara was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease – the most common cause of dementia – in 2014. She received global praise when she went public with her dementia diagnosis four years later, helping to raise awareness of a condition that affects nearly one million people across the UK today.

Since her death in December 2020, aged 83, Scott has continued her legacy alongside Alzheimer’s Research UK and was made an Ambassador for the charity in 2021.

Over 1,200 donations have been made on the team’s fundraising page, smashing their original £50,000 target for the UK’s leading dementia research charity.

Scott, who crossed the finish line in just over six hours, commented:

“Today’s run was by far the hardest, but one of the most special. The support of my friends to run with me, and the public who have given so generously, has been so overwhelming. We’ve smashed our fundraising target and everyone who has donated has played a huge part in helping to end the devastation dementia causes. I couldn’t be more grateful.

“Barbara was in my mind throughout and seeing her smiling face when I looked down at my top was all the motivation I needed. She’d be so proud of all of us today.”

Hilary Evans, Chief Executive of Alzheimer’s Research UK, said:

“We couldn’t be more grateful to Scott and the rest of Babs’ Army for flying the flag for Alzheimer’s Research UK at this year’s TCS London Marathon. Dame Barbara was a true national treasure, and it was so powerful and moving to see the team running with her iconic image on their tops.

“Massive congratulations to the team for finishing the race and for hitting their £50,000 fundraising goal. This money will help take us one step closer to the breakthrough dementia treatments we’re all so desperate to see.”

Sponsor Babs’ Army in support of Alzheimer’s Research UK.