'I am truly overwhelmed': Barbara Windsor thanks donators ahead of marathon team's dementia charity run

Dame Barbara Windsor has publicly thanked those who have raised money for Dementia Revolution by sponsoring her husband Scott Mitchell to run the London Marathon on Sunday 28 April.

During the race in the capital city, Mitchell will be joined by a number of Windsor’s former EastEnders co-stars including Tanya Franks, Emma Barton, Jake Wood, Adam Woodyatt and Natalie Cassidy.

“I am truly overwhelmed by the generosity of the British public in helping Barbara’s Revolutionaries raise a staggering £100,000 towards the Dementia Revolution so far,” the 81-year-old said in a statement.

Read more: Barbara Windsor’s husband says she’s too ill watch him at the London Marathon

“I am so touched that Scott and the rest of the wonderful team of Barbara’s Revolutionaries have taken on this marathon challenge for me and the 850,000 people living with dementia.

“I’m heartened by every single donation that has been made – however big or small. Your messages of support and encouragement mean so much to me. Thank you, from the bottom of my heart.”

Mitchell, 55, added: “I am absolutely over the moon that we were able reach our original target of £100,000 before race day. I’ve read every single message of support, probably several times over.

“I will certainly have those words of encouragement in mind as I’m running the course. The whole Barbara’s Revolutionaries team and of course Barbara herself are so grateful for every single donation – we all thank you so much.”

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Windsor was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease back in 2014 but decided to keep the heartbreaking news private until May 2018. In an unpaid interview with The Sun, Mitchell was the first to speak publicly about her health, saying: “Firstly, I hope speaking out will help other families dealing with loved ones who have this cruel disease.

“Secondly, I want the public to know because they are naturally very drawn to Barb­ara and she loves talking to them. So rather than me living in fear she might get confused or upset, they’ll know that if her behaviour seems strange, it’s due to Alzhei­mer’s and accept it for what it is.”