Media centre

TV presenter and former Atomic Kitten Liz McClarnon has teamed up with leading older people’s charity Age Concern and Help the Aged to raise awareness of the serious issues some people face in later life.

The 28-year-old Liverpuddlian beauty knows only too well the challenges that can come with getting older. The family was heartbroken when Liz’s 102-year-old great-grandmother was told she would have to leave her care home after it could no longer afford to remain open. She was forced to move and sadly died a few months later.

Liz said: “Helping disadvantaged older people is an issue that’s very close to my heart –before Atomic Kitten‚ I regularly used to help out at the care home where my great-grandmother was a resident. The experience gave me a glimpse of the difficulties many older people can experience on a daily basis.”

As part of her commitment to the charity‚ Liz is encouraging supporters to take part in the Liverpool Half Marathon and raise funds for Age Concern and Help the Aged. Taking place on Sunday 28th March‚ the event is Merseyside’s leading road race‚ attracting participants of all abilities including international elite athletes. 

Liz continued: “As a local girl‚ I’m delighted to be involved with such an iconic event in the city of Liverpool. The run always has a fantastic atmosphere‚ and this year promises to be no exception. I want as many people as possible to raise vital funds for Age Concern and Help the Aged to make sure they can continue to help millions of older people across the country.”

Howard Elson‚ Celebrity Manager at Age Concern and Help the Aged‚ added: “It’s fantastic that Liz is such a passionate supporter of our cause. We’re hoping that her backing will enable the charity to get its messages across to an even wider audience.”

For more information on the Liverpool Half Marathon‚ visit our Help the Aged website. 

- ENDS -

Notes for Editors

1. For more information‚ please call Lizzie Webster in the Help the Aged Media Team on 0208 765 7516 or email lizzie.webster@helptheaged.org.uk
2. Age Concern and Help the Aged and Sparks are the two official charities supported by the 2010 Liverpool Half Marathon
3. Age Concern England and Help the Aged have joined together to form a single charity dedicated to improving the lives of older people.
4. Age UK is the new force combining Age Concern and Help the Aged. We will be known by our new name from Spring 2010.

Media contact:
Lizzie Webster
Telephone:
0208 765 7516
Out of office hours:
07071 243243
Email:
media@ace.org.uk