This Morning appeal raises more than £220,000 for Alzheimer's Society

There were tears all round as Eamonn Holmes and Ruth Langsford announced the incredible total to a party of the Society's members, staff and celebrity supporters.

The money has been raised as part of a two and a half week Christmas appeal on the ITV show. Throughout December, This Morning has shown a series of moving interviews with people with dementia and their carers, as well as studio interviews with celebrity supporters including Lynda Bellingham.  

Neil Hunt, Chief Executive of Alzheimer's Society, says,

'It is absolutely fantastic to see how much money has been raised through this appeal. Nobody could have anticipated just how generous the This Morning viewers would be. I would like to say a big thank you to everyone who donated and to everyone who gave their time and shared their stories. These donations will allow us to provide support for people with dementia across the UK through our network of support services, telephone helpline and research programme.'

To celebrate the success of the appeal, a special Christmas party was held at the ITV studios. Society members enjoyed a mince pie with among others, Lynda Bellingham, Tony Robinson, Danyl Johnson, Tania Bryer and Sally Lindsay. Staff from Santander building societies also enjoyed the fun donating their own £15,000 to the total.

People can continue to add donations by phone or online at www.itv.co.uk/thismorning  until 11pm tonight (Wednesday 23 December) or at a branch of Abbey National until December 31.

Notes to editors:

• One in three people over 65 will die with dementia.
• Alzheimer's Society research shows that 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.
•  Alzheimer's Society champions the rights of people living with dementia and the millions of people who care for them.  
•  Alzheimer's Society works in England, Wales and Northern Ireland Alzheimer's Society needs to raise money to help people live well with dementia today and for research 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

Press Office 0207 423 3595 Email: press@alzheimers.org.uk