Alzheimer's Society 25th anniversary celebration a stunning success

Around 200 guests toasted the Society's silver jubilee in London on 14 January 2004, including celebrities, MPs, the Society's best supporters and major donors.

Guests included Lady Jarvis, Michael Buerk, Baroness Pitkeathley OBE, Lord Stone of Blackheath, Baroness Jay of Paddington, and Brent Cockbain, a member of Wales' World Cup Rugby team.

Neil Hunt, Alzheimer's Society chief executive, described the event as a wonderful success, saying:

'Last night was a great start to the Alzheimer's Society's 25th anniversary year. I was touched by the commitment and passion of our supporters.

'Twenty-five years ago, the odds stacked against the Society's survival were almost overwhelming. Today, we have achieved more than our founders might have believed possible. And the future looks bright. With so many wonderful people behind us, we will be able to continue our vital work to improve the lives of people with dementia and their carers.'

Anne Robinson, Society vice president, spoke at the event, urging attendees to pledge to support to the Society in the coming year in any way they can.

She said she will give £1 to the Society for every time she is rude to a contestant on The Weakest Link.

Goldsmiths' Hall has one of the finest collections of English silver in the country. Its collection includes the Bowes Cup, believed to have been used by Queen Elizabeth I at her Coronation banquet in 1558.

Notes for editors

For further images of the event please contact the Press Office.

• The Alzheimer's Society is the UK's leading care and research charity for people with dementia and their carers and celebrates its 25th anniversary in 2004.
• Over 750,000 people in the UK have dementia. More than half have Alzheimer's disease.
• Dementia affects one in 20 people over the age of 65 and one in five over the age of 80.
• There are 18,500 people in the UK under the age of 65 with dementia.
• For information and advice on Alzheimer's disease or other forms of dementia call the Alzheimer's Society national helpline on 0845 300 0336.
• Our website address is: http://www.alzheimers.org.uk/