Yorkshire Building Society makes its biggest ever charity donation to Alzheimer's Society

The total, which was raised through staff and member fundraising, is the biggest charitable donation ever made by the company.

Throughout 2011 all Yorkshire, Barnsley and Chelsea building society staff and members pledged to raise money for Alzheimer's Society. Staff across the country took part in a range of fundraising activities including raffles, runs, cycling challenges, book sales, leg waxing and bungee jumps.

Former Chief Executive, Iain Cornish, who left the Society at the end of 2011, personally completed a sponsored cycle between the Bradford head office and the Chelsea Building Society's head office in Cheltenham - covering over 170 miles. Iain's achievement saw him raise almost £11,000 - the highest amount raised in one individual fundraising event throughout the year.

Staff and members raised an impressive £85,469, and the Yorkshire Building Society Charitable Foundation matched every penny raised. This took the total amount raised to £175,000 - beating their original fundraising target of £100,000.

Chris Parrish, a Yorkshire Building Society Charitable Foundation trustee said:

'I am absolutely delighted with the amount staff have raised for our Charity of the Year. I am extremely proud of the effort and dedication they have shown in raising the largest amount ever in the history of Yorkshire Building Society. We couldn't have raised this fantastic amount without the help and support of our customers in purchasing raffle tickets and sponsoring members of staff, so I'd like to take this opportunity to thank them as well.'

The money will go towards supporting people with dementia and their carers.

Liz Showell, Director of Fundraising and Marketing said:

'Thanks so much to everyone at Yorkshire Building Society for their hard work and dedication. They have cycled, baked, walked, bungeed and even submitted to hot wax to help people with dementia and their efforts really paid off.

'We are especially grateful to Yorkshire Building Society for matching the funds made - their generosity will enable Alzheimer's Society to support people with dementia and their carers now and in the future.'