Brookside star gets on her bike for Alzheimer’s Research UK

Former Brookside actress Paula Frances Muldoon is off on a 30 mile bike ride, to boost funds for Alzheimer’s Research UK.

The cycling event on Sunday 15th April follows a scenic circular route from Crosby to Southport. Paula will be pedalling with thoughts of her dad Michael in mind as he has a rare form of dementia and was diagnosed at just 55.

“I only took up cycling a couple of years ago and I love it! It gives me the perfect opportunity to put pedal power to good use to help Alzheimer’s Research UK defeat dementia. My partner Brian helped me devise the safe and pretty route, mainly on cycle paths, passing through woodland and along the coast. I’m so proud that my 11 year old son Callum is going to take part – I hope as many people as possible will join us and have fun while raising vital money for dementia research. Paula said as she spoke about her motivation for arranging the cycling challenge and raising money for Alzheimer’s Research UK, adding…

“My dad has struggled with frontotemporal dementia for eight years. He used to be such a character, a real entrepreneur setting up ten gyms across the country. He was quite ahead of his time opening the City Health Studio in Liverpool in 1982. But now he really struggles with his speech and has an extremely poor short term memory. He can’t live the way he used to and his abilities have been greatly affected. Basically, he’s lost his independence and needs full time care – it’s heartbreaking.

“It’s opened my eyes to the fact that research to find new treatments for dementia is desperately underfunded. That’s why I’ve decided to do everything I can to raise money for the experts, Alzheimer’s Research UK, and this cycle challenge is just the first of many plans I’ve got lined-up.”

Paula, 42, from Waterloo played Diana Corkhill for three years in the Liverpool-based soap opera Brookside. Her acting career has included roles in TV dramas Doctors, Nice Guy Eddie and Moving On. Nowadays, in between acting and looking after her two children, she is a personal fitness trainer and nutrionist.

The 30 mile sponsored bike ride starts at 10.00am on Sunday 15 April at the Crosby Leisure Centre, Mariners Road, Crosby, Merseyside L23 6SX. To take up the challenge contact Paula on 07850 111671 or email paula@corefit.org.uk. Registration is £10 for adults and £5 for under 16s.