Newcastle University

Sir Cliff Richard is fronting a TV appeal for research into Alzheimers at Newcastle University.

The legendary singer, Sir Cliff Richard has been moved by personal circumstances to support the Alzheimer’s Research Trust and make an appeal to raise funds for research at Newcastle University.

On behalf of the Trust, Sir Cliff will front the TV appeal ‘Lifeline’ broadcast on BBC1 at 5.00pm on Sunday (19th October).

The money raised will help support the research of Dr Kim Krishnan at Newcastle University. She is looking at whether problems with mitochondria, the brain’s ‘batteries’, cause the loss of power to brain cells seen in Alzheimer’s patients.

Dr Krishnan says: 'My research will give us a better understanding of Alzheimer’s. It could lead to new treatments that keep the power flowing to brain cells and hopefully paint a better future for people with the disease.'

Sir Cliff lost his mother, Dorothy, to Alzheimer’s disease last year. ‘All too many of us know the devastating effect Alzheimer’s has,' he says. 'My Mum suffered with dementia for nine years before she passed away. My sisters and I were slowly robbed of the vibrant woman we once knew - and the fact that nothing could be done to stop it was almost unbearable. That’s why I’m appealing on behalf of the Alzheimer’s Research Trust, because we must find ways to treat, prevent or cure dementia – and fast.’

Rebecca Wood, Chief Executive of the Alzheimer’s Research Trust spoke of why Sir Cliff’s support is so important. ‘Sir Cliff is an inspiration to the 3,000 people in Newcastle living with dementia,' she says. 'By talking publicly about his mother's battle with Alzheimer’s, we hope that this appeal will encourage others to help us find a treatment, prevention or cure for this terrible disease and put a stop to the misery it causes.’

Lifeline is the BBC's monthly television charity appeal programme. For more than twenty years, Lifeline has helped raised money for and increased the profile of hundreds of charities across the UK and abroad. For more information on their work, visit the Alzheimer’s Research Trust website.