A WOMAN is running 100km to raise money for Alzheimer’s Research UK, after her mum, from Urmston, was diagnosed with dementia.

Elianne Hawley, a TV and theatre actress, is taking on Running Down Dementia, an initiative from Alzheimer's Research UK which challenges participants to run 100km over the summer and raise at least £100.

The 37-year-old has just passed the halfway mark of 50km and has already raised more than£1,300.

Mrs Hawley often runs with her husband, fellow actor Graeme who played John Stape in Coronation Street.

She said: "It can be hard to fit a good run in around the children, work and other commitments, but I've been really motivated by the Running Down Dementia challenge."

The mother-of-two was inspired to support the national dementia research charity after he mum, Diane Byrne, was diagnosed with frontotemporal dementia two years ago.

This is a rare form of dementia which affects the frontal and temporal lobes of the brain, which control personality, behaviour and language.

Mrs Byrne was 67 when she was diagnosed.

Mrs Hawley said: "It was very difficult to understand what was happening at first, as Mum wasn’t acting like herself at all. She used to get into terrible rages, had extreme paranoia, was very unpredictable and would say horrible things sometimes. She would run off a lot and lost awareness completely of what was safe and what wasn't. We were worried every time the phone rang."

Mrs Byrne was well known in the community for her bright pink hair and friendly personality and she lived in Urmston until her behaviour changed and she could no longer lead the busy social life she was accustomed to.

Before moving in to a care home in March Mrs Byrne was cared for by her husband Mike.

Mrs Hawley, from Holcombe Brook, Bury, said: "“I wanted to take on Running Down Dementia and support Alzheimer's Research UK because I’m determined to stop others from having to go through what we are.

"Since my mum was diagnosed, I've found so many people who have been touched by dementia too. I want to see us find something that can beat the condition once and for all. Thank you to everyone who’s sponsored me – your generosity and support has been amazing."

Kenneth Foreman, Sporting Events Manager at Alzheimer's Research UK, said: "We would like to say a huge thank you to Elianne for throwing herself into the Running Down Dementia challenge and raising such an incredible amount already.

"She is currently in our top five fundraisers. There are around 44 million people worldwide living with dementia, making it crucial that we find an effective treatment as soon as possible."

To sign up for the challenge visit www.runningdowndementia.org

To sponsor Mrs Hawley visit running-down-dementia.everydayhero.com/uk/eliane