More than 34,000 people with dementia are estimated to have died from coronavirus in the UK since the start of the pandemic, according to new figures.

If a person with dementia does catch coronavirus, they are at higher risk of getting worse COVID-19 illness. The risk of severe symptoms rises steeply with age, and 9 in 10 deaths have been in people over 60. Most people with dementia and many older carers will fall into a higher risk group on age alone.

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We know that people affected by dementia often struggle to access the vital care they need, and that even when they can access it, it is not always of good quality. On top of this, people with dementia pay more for their care than those with other conditions.

As dementia progresses, it can rob people of their independence. And until our government fixes dementia care, it will continue to rob people of their life savings.

Through working with people who are living with dementia, I have learnt that dementia doesn't have to rob you of your personality or happiness. With the right support, we can help people to live well with dementia.

I'm proud to be working at Alzheimer’s Society - giving people currently living in the UK with dementia right now a voice to transform the landscape of dementia forever. Until the day we find a cure, we'll strive to create a society where those affected by dementia are supported and accepted, able to live in their community without fear or prejudice.

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I'm running 50km through some Yorkshire hills* to raise some money for this amazing cause - please give generously!

* Depending on the latest government guidance relating to the Coronavirus pandemic... I may end up having to run 50km around Hackney. But I will still run 50km and pretend I'm in Yorkshire.