22 runners dressed as Elmer the Patchwork Elephant complete London Landmarks Half Marathon for dementia research

On Sunday 7 April, Just Jog, a running club from Devon, took on the London Landmarks Half Marathon. Running in aid of Alzheimer’s Research UK, the group ran in costume as beloved book character, Elmer the Patchwork Elephant. 

Andersen Press, publishing house for Elmer the Patchwork Elephant by David McKee, partnered with Alzheimer’s Research UK in 2023 to release the paperback edition of Elmer and the Gift by McKee. To celebrate Elmer’s 35thanniversary this year, 22 members from Just Jog completed the London Landmarks Half Marathon in Elmer costume as part of the celebrations.

The group, based in Bideford, also organised an Alzheimer’s Research UK takeover of the parkrun in Bideford, where 16 members ran in the Elmer costume. So far, the group have raised over £10,683 of their £12,000 target and member Tanya Gillett will continue fundraising by taking on the London Marathon on Sunday 21 April.

Just Jog is fundraising for Alzheimer’s Research UK, a charity close to the hearts of many of its members who have been affected by dementia. Currently, one in three of us are directly affected by this devastating condition. As the UK’s leading dementia research charity, Alzheimer’s Research UK is striving for a cure for dementia, by revolutionising the way it is treated, diagnosed, and prevented.

Tanya Gillett, member of Just Jog in Bideford, said:

“We were in full patchwork Elmer mode at the London Landmarks Half Marathon! It was such a fantastic day and we loved every minute of it. The miles flew by thanks to the great atmosphere with music and cheer squads along the route.

“My gran had Alzheimer’s for 15 years and passed away the day before my 40th birthday, so this means a lot to me. I want to help change the ending for other people affected by this devastating condition. Since 2017, I have been raising money for Alzheimer’s Research UK and have almost hit £30,000 of my own fundraising, which takes our team effort to over £50,000. I am so proud of what we have achieved together to help find a cure for this devastating condition. With Landmarks complete, I’m now preparing for my fifth and final London Marathon for the charity. I have five children, so that will make it a medal for each of them.”

James Warren, Regional Fundraising Officer at Alzheimer’s Research UK, said: “We are incredibly grateful to Tanya and the members of Just Jog in Bideford, for their continued support of Alzheimer’s Research UK. They have achieved so much in the time they have been raising money to support our work, and it was great to see them all take on the London Landmarks Half Marathon in full Elmer costume! We wish them all the best for the London Marathon later this month.

“Dementia affects almost one million people in the UK alone, and many of the Just Jog team members have been directly affected by the condition. Alzheimer’s Research UK is committed to ending the heartbreak of dementia. With the support of people like Tanya and Just Jog, we are closer than ever to a cure.”

To donate to Just Jog’s fundraising for Alzheimer’s Research UK, visit: Tanya Gillett is fundraising for Alzheimer's Research UK (justgiving.com)