Widower Scott praises generous Britons after Babs’ Army smash Alzheimer’s fundraising goal
SCOTT Mitchell paid tribute to the generous British public after they helped him smash his Alzheimer’s fundraising target in memory of late wife Dame Barbara Windsor.
Despite the cost-of-living crisis, big-hearted donors stumped up a whopping £64,500 for Alzheimer’s Research UK after “Babs’ Army” ran this year’s London Marathon.
Dame Barbara, star of Eastenders and several Carry On films, died in December 2020 from the disease.
Babs’ Army is made up of volunteers including current and previous cast members of the soap and other stars.
Scott has now pledged they will be back for more challenges to raise much-needed cash for the cause.
The 60-year-old said: “I am elated. We’re just really overwhelmed. I set a target of £50,000 because of the times we live in. I know people are really struggling and there was part of me that really doubted we would reach our target.
“The fact we’ve gone so far over means the world to me. I want to thank people for being so incredibly generous.
“I’ve always thought the British public are the most generous people there are and no one beats them when it comes to charity. Once again it shows how much dementia touches people’s lives, in this country and across the world.
“There were so many messages left saying, ‘My dad has it’, ‘My mum has it’ or ‘I’m looking after my wife’.
“Everyone has a connection and that’s what we have to keep talking about – and raising awareness.”
Scott completed the 26.2-mile marathon in six hours and 15 minutes. He added: “As far as Babs’ Army are concerned, we’re going to have a year off, then in 2025 we’re going to have a new challenge. Whatever we decide to do it will be under the banner of Babs’ Army again.”