Passionate fundraisers in Leeds are being asked to come forward to join a new fundraising group which has launched to support Alzheimer’s Research UK, the UK’s leading dementia research charity.
The founding members of the Alzheimer’s Research UK Leeds Fundraising Group held their first event recently, raising more than £400 with a collection at Tesco in Roundhay. They have plans well underway for more events and are looking for new members with a range of skills to join the team to raise vital funds and awareness for dementia research.
Members can get involved in fundraising challenges to raise money for pioneering research, representing Alzheimer’s Research UK at events or spreading the word about the charity within their local community.
One member of the new group is Craig Duke, a marketing and E-commerce professional, who is using his experience to spread the word about the need for research into dementia and the diseases that cause it.
He said: “Growing up and seeing my grandad slowly deteriorate because of dementia has been difficult for me and all my family.
“Being away from home is especially difficult at times now, and so I thought it was important to give something back.”
Alzheimer’s Research UK regional groups play a crucial part in the fight against dementia, which currently affects over 850,000 people across the UK, including more than 9,000 in Leeds.
The charity powers world class studies focusing on prevention, diagnosis and treatments for dementia and has funded 41 research projects in Yorkshire, providing grants totalling more than £3.3m.
Craig added: “Alzheimer’s Research UK is leading the way in fighting against dementia, and our recently launched Leeds Fundraising Group will be supporting and raising awareness for this great cause in any way we can.
“Please keep a lookout on our Facebook pages for future events. We hope to welcome more people to the group and see people at events as they are planned.
“Everyone at the Alzheimer’s Research UK Leeds Fundraising Group is grateful for your support and can’t wait to get started!”
Claire Priestwood, Alzheimer’s Research UK Regional Fundraising Officer for the North East, will be on hand to provide advice, materials and assistance when needed.
She said: “Dementia has a huge impact on families and it’s important to us at Alzheimer’s Research UK that communities have the opportunity to come together and get involved with supporting dementia research.
“Regional fundraising groups are vital in helping us to defeat dementia, both through raising funds and helping to spread awareness of this cruel condition. I look forward to welcoming more new members to the Leeds group.
“Alzheimer’s Research UK’s vision is a world free from the fear, harm and heartbreak of dementia and our supporters are key to helping us bring about the first life-changing dementia treatment by 2025.”
For information about the group’s upcoming events and activities search for “Alzheimer’s Research UK Leeds Fundraising Group” on Facebook and like their page.
Anyone wishing to get involved in the group can contact
Claire on 07799 902428 or email;
claire.priestwood@alzheimersresearchuk.org
For further information about Alzheimer’s Research UK visit www.alzheimersresearchuk.org
