easyJet passengers raise over £420,000 in 3 months for Alzheimer’s Society

The funds were raised from in-flight collections of passenger's left over currency between July - September 2009.  easyJet chose Alzheimer's Society as its charity of the year after a vote by 7,000 members of staff from across Europe. It will continue to collect funds for Alzheimer's Society in 2010 and has pledged to raise £1million in total for the charity.

Lynda Bellingham, Alzheimer's Society Ambassador and Loose Women presenter who launched the collections, says,

'I am delighted that easyJet and their passengers have raised over £420,000. This will help people live well with dementia today and fund research to find a cure for tomorrow. I know the impact that dementia has on the whole family, having cared for my mum when she was ill. Alzheimer's Society relies upon the generosity of organisations like easyJet, their staff and passengers, to continue to provide information, education, support and care to families when they need it most.'

Andy Harrison, Chief Executive of easyJet, says,

'We are thrilled to have raised over £420,000 for Alzheimer's Society; I would like to express my gratitude to all our cabin crew for their support in raising these funds and thank all those passengers who generously donated money, particularly in these times of economic uncertainty. There are over five million people with dementia in Europe making it a truly important cause for our staff and passengers. We look forward to continuing to raise funds for Alzheimer's Society in 2010 and reaching our target of £1million!'

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Please contact the Press Office for photographs of Lynda Bellingham with easyJet staff on 0207 423 3595

Notes to editors

• 1 in 3 people over the age of 65 will die with dementia
• 700,000 people in the UK have a form of dementia, more than half have Alzheimer's disease. In less than 20 years nearly a million people will be living with dementia. This will soar to 1.7 million people by 2051.
• Dementia is not a natural part of ageing; it is caused by diseases of the brain and robs people of their lives.
• Alzheimer's Society champions the rights of people living with dementia and those who care for them. Alzheimer's Society works in England, Wales and Northern Ireland
• The Alzheimer's Society needs to raise money to care for people today and to find a cure for tomorrow. 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