Audit Scotland announces support for Alzheimer's Research UK

Audit Scotland is delighted to announce that our staff have chosen leading dementia body Alzheimer’s Research UK as their corporate charity for the next two years.

The charity specialises in generating funding for research into preventions, causes, treatments and a cure for dementia, which affects more than 820,000 people in the UK and has a devastating impact on both the sufferer, and the family and friends who care for them.

Jade Rolph, Corporate Partnerships Manager at Alzheimer’s Research UK, said:

"We're thrilled that staff at Audit Scotland are backing Alzheimer’s Research UK. The money they raise will support vital research to bring improved diagnosis, preventions and much-needed treatments for dementia closer.

"Hundreds of thousands of people across the UK are living with dementia today, including over 56,000 people in Scotland. Dementia poses one of the greatest threats to public health now and in the future but funding for research still lags far behind other serious diseases. We rely on public donations to fund our work and support from organisations like Audit Scotland plays a key part in helping us progress our world-class research."

Audit Scotland staff vote every two years to name a corporate charity, and previously raised more than £1,500 for Mary’s Meals, a global movement of school-based feeding projects in some of the world’s poorest communities, established to both battle poverty and encourage learning. The charity provides meals for more than 900,000 children in countries including Malawi, India, Uganda and Thailand, at an average cost of £12.20 per child, per year.

Audit Scotland’s donation was made possible through a varied programme of events such as sponsored football matches, cake sales, and raffles.

Diane McGiffen, Chief Operating Officer for Audit Scotland, said:

"Fundraising for our corporate charity provides a great opportunity for our staff to be challenged, work together and enjoy some healthy competition, whilst also helping excellent causes.

"The funds raised for Mary’s Meals will be used to feed 150 children for a year; we’re proud to have made that contribution to the charity, and delighted to announce our support for Alzheimer’s Research UK for the next two years."

As well as fundraising for the corporate charity, Audit Scotland staff regularly lend their support to a wide range of good causes beyond the workplace; often dedicating significant amounts of their spare time to raise vital funds.

Recent fundraising included teams running in the Edinburgh Marathon, taking part in the Bobath Dragon Boat Race, and hopping on their bikes for some very tough cycling challenges. Charities supported included SiMBA (Simpson’s Memory Box Appeal), The Bobath Centre for Children with Cerebral Palsy, and Brain Tumour Research.