Nestlé staff join the fight against dementia

Nestlé staff across the UK have joined forces with Alzheimer’s Society today 21ST September to raise a national target of £250,000 to help people with dementia and their carers.

Staff at Nestlé chose Alzheimer’s Society, the leading care and research charity for people with dementia and carers, as their new charity of the year after a nationwide staff vote.

Nestlé staff will be taking part in all kinds of fundraising events including Dementia Awareness Week activities, Memory Walks, runs, treks and challenges, and their annual gala dinner.

Ruth Sutherland, Interim Chief Executive at Alzheimer's Society, said: ‘We are delighted to be Nestlé’s charity of the year for 2010/ 2011. As a charity, we rely on the generosity of people like Nestlé staff to help us support people to live well with dementia today, and fund research to find a cure for tomorrow.

‘It is fantastic to have the support of the 7,000 staff at Nestlé who I know will help us spread the word about dementia.’

Paul Grimwood, Chairman and Chief Executive at Nestlé said: ‘Alzheimer's Society does tremendous work supporting the 750,000 people with dementia and those who care for them. The money that we will raise will help fund services such as the charity’s National Dementia Helpline, and research into the causes of and a cure for dementia. I am really looking forward to our partnership and encouraging everyone at Nestlé to get involved and help us support the inspiring work of Alzheimer’s Society.’

For further information or interviews please contact Emma Fielder, Alzheimer's Society Press Officer, on 020 7423 3595.

Notes to editors

• One in three people over 65 will die with dementia
• Alzheimer’s Society research shows that 750,000 people in the UK have a form of dementia, more than half have Alzheimer’s disease. In just 15 years a million people will be living with dementia. This will soar to 1.7 million people by 2051
• Alzheimer’s Society champions the rights of people living with dementia and the millions of people who care for them
• Alzheimer’s Society works in England, Wales and Northern Ireland
• Alzheimer's Society supports people to live well with dementia today and funds research to find a cure for tomorrow. We rely on voluntary donations to continue our vital work. You can donate now by calling 0845 306 0898 or visiting alzheimers.org.uk
• Alzheimer’s Society provides a National Dementia Helpline, the number is 0845 300 0336 or visit alzheimers.org.uk

Press Office 0207 423 3595
Email: press@alzheimers.org.uk