Ruth Wilson and Will Poulter Named Ambassadors of Alzheimer’s Research UK
Award-winning actors Ruth Wilson and Will Poulter named Ambassadors of Alzheimer’s Research UK.
Ruth Wilson MBE is one of Britain’s most celebrated actors, having starred in a string of hit series and films. Ruth won a Golden Globe for her performance in The Affair, and plaudits for her roles in Luther and His Dark Materials.
Ruth is supporting Alzheimer’s Research UK’s search for a cure in honour of her father, Nigel, who is living with Alzheimer’s disease.
She ran the 2024 TCS London Marathon for the charity alongside her three brothers and nephew. Between them, they raised over £32,000 for life-changing dementia research.
Last month, Ruth visited University College London’s Institute of Neurology to learn more about Prof Selina Wray’s pioneering work using stem cells to unravel the causes of dementia. Prof Wray has also recently been made an Ambassador of Alzheimer’s Research UK in recognition of her longstanding support for the charity and advocacy for dementia research.
Ruth said: “I am so proud to have been made an Ambassador of Alzheimer’s Research UK. The work the charity does is essential, and I can’t think of a much better use of my time. Seeing the effects of dementia on my dad has been heartbreaking, but knowing I’m helping to drive funds and awareness for this incredible cause means so much to me and my family.”
She added: “Research is making huge strides in our understanding of dementia, and with new treatments starting to come through, there isn’t a more exciting time to be supporting Alzheimer’s Research UK and their search for a cure. Seeing Professor Wray’s work up close in her lab has given me so much hope that future generations will be spared the heartbreak dementia causes.”
Will Poulter, who has been a supporter of the UK’s leading dementia research charity since 2016, has starred in a number of Hollywood blockbusters and critically acclaimed series, including Guardians of the Galaxy: Vol.3, The Bear, Dopesick and The Revenant.
Will has seen a number of close friends impacted by dementia and is passionate about helping to drive awareness of the condition.
Will said: “I’m so proud to be an Ambassador of an organisation that works so hard and commits so much towards trying to change the ending for people living with dementia.
“It’s particularly exciting to become an Ambassador of Alzheimer’s Research UK at a point in time where so much progress has been made. I also know that as an Ambassador, I’m more than anything else a mouthpiece for the work that is being done, and the people trying to find a cure, committing to research and developing new treatments.
“It’s a real honour to play a small part in something that could change the lives of millions of people around the world.”
If nothing changes, one in two people will be directly affected by dementia – either by developing the condition themselves, caring for someone with it, or both. Alzheimer’s Research UK is striving for a cure for dementia by revolutionising the way the condition is treated, diagnosed and prevented.
Hilary Evans-Newton, Chief Executive of Alzheimer’s Research UK, said:
“Will and Ruth are so committed to our cause and it’s a real honour to be able to recognise their passionate support by making them Ambassadors.
“Ambassadors are some of Alzheimer’s Research UK’s highest-level supporters, helping to raise awareness of dementia and advocate for research into the condition. Will and Ruth help shine a much-needed spotlight on our vital work and help accelerate progress towards a cure. We can’t thank them enough for their continued support.”
