easyJet pledges to raise 'a million for a million' to help people with dementia
Published 1 July 2009
Budget airline easyJet today pledged to raise a million pounds to support the one million people who will develop dementia in the next ten years.
easyJet Chief Exec, Andy Harrison, committed to the new, ambitious fundraising target after learning about the current lack of government investment in dementia research.
Dementia is not a natural part of ageing; it is caused by diseases of the brain and robs people of their lives. There is currently no cure for the condition and much is still unknown about its causes.
Andy Harrison, easyJet's Chief Executive says,
EasyJet chose Alzheimer's Society as its charity of the year following a Europe-wide staff vote. Lynda Bellingham, star of West End play Calendar Girls, joined Alzheimer's Society Chief Exec, Neil Hunt, in Luton to launch easyJet's onboard collections. Passengers will be asked to donate their spare foreign change to fight dementia, and Alzheimer's Society will also receive a percentage of all scratch cards sold on easyJet flights.
Lynda Bellingham, Alzheimer's Society Ambassador and Loose Women star, says,
Yesterday Alzheimer's Society led charities and scientists in calling for the government to triple investment into dementia research and commit to a coherent research plan. The government will hold a Dementia Research Summit later this month to discuss the future of dementia research.
Neil Hunt, Chief Executive of Alzheimer's Society says,
Dementia is not a natural part of ageing; it is caused by diseases of the brain and robs people of their lives. There is currently no cure for the condition and much is still unknown about its causes.
Andy Harrison, easyJet's Chief Executive says,
'I was shocked to learn that one million people will develop dementia in the next 10 years. That's why we have committed to raising a million for a million - one million pounds to help the million people who will be facing dementia.
Dementia is not a natural part of ageing but it is often still viewed in these terms, meaning it doesn't get the attention it deserves. The government only invests 2% of its medical research budget on dementia. We call on the government to boost research funding and make this condition a priority.'
EasyJet chose Alzheimer's Society as its charity of the year following a Europe-wide staff vote. Lynda Bellingham, star of West End play Calendar Girls, joined Alzheimer's Society Chief Exec, Neil Hunt, in Luton to launch easyJet's onboard collections. Passengers will be asked to donate their spare foreign change to fight dementia, and Alzheimer's Society will also receive a percentage of all scratch cards sold on easyJet flights.
Lynda Bellingham, Alzheimer's Society Ambassador and Loose Women star, says,
'Giving loose change to help people with dementia couldn't be easier with easyJet. Your few left over euros could make a world of difference to those affected by this devastating, incurable condition. My mother had dementia so I know that Alzheimer's Society offers a lifeline to other families in desperate need of advice and support. Thank you to easyJet and easyJet passengers for their generosity.'
Yesterday Alzheimer's Society led charities and scientists in calling for the government to triple investment into dementia research and commit to a coherent research plan. The government will hold a Dementia Research Summit later this month to discuss the future of dementia research.
Neil Hunt, Chief Executive of Alzheimer's Society says,
'easyJet has set a fantastic example by boosting funding for dementia. Charities, companies and the government can all work towards the goal of defeating dementia. We look forward to the forthcoming Dementia Research Summit and hope to see the development of an ambitious plan that drives real change.'Read about our partnership with easyJet
