World Cup player auctions jersey for Alzheimer's Society

Brent Cockbain's jersey had been signed by the Welsh Rugby 2003 World Cup team and was auctioned at the Alzheimer's Society Leap Year Charity Lunch at the RAC in London on February 29. The RAC auction raised more than £20,000 in total for the Alzheimer's Society.

Brent Cockbain is very happy his donation has raised so much for a charity so close to his heart:

'I decided to get involved with the Alzheimer's Society and donate my jersey to this auction as my grandmother has dementia. It's a very worthy cause and the Alzheimer's Society provides invaluable support to thousands of people with dementia and their carers around the country.'

'And I'm chuffed my shirt raised more money than Lawrence Dallaglio's.'

Neil Hunt, Alzheimer's Society chief executive, said:

'The Alzheimer's Society is very grateful for this donation Brent has made. Every donation we receive helps the Society to continue its vital work. Although a lot has been achieved since the Society was established 25 years ago, there is still much to be done to improve the support and rights for people with dementia and their carers.'

Brent also attended the Alzheimer's Society's 25th anniversary celebration in London in January. The Australian-born Lock plays for the Celtic Warriors and has five caps at international level.

The Alzheimer's Society Leap Year Charity Lunch was attended more than 150 guests, including HRH The Princess Helen of Romania.

Other items auctioned included an England World Cup signed by Jason Leonard, the most capped player in the history of international rugby, signed prints of Martin Johnson and Jonny Wilkinson and a viewing box at Ascot.

Notes for editors

• 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/