Real stories
‘Do something you enjoy and be brave’ – ideas for raising funds to fight dementia
Three Alzheimer’s Society supporters share their tips about how to get the most out of fundraising.
Are you keen to raise funds to fight dementia but not sure how to go about it?
Mark, Angie and Derek are full of useful advice about the importance of getting support, good promotion and enjoying yourself.
Fundraising rock concert
Mark Bingham, in Belfast, held the first Rock for Alzheimer’s gig in 2013. It’s been going strong ever since, raising over £80,000.
Mark lost both parents to Alzheimer’s disease.
He was considering various ways to fundraise, but the winning idea came from him playing in a rock covers band. Their singer and drummer also played in an AC/DC tribute band.

‘We asked the Empire Music Hall for a good price and off we went. I expected to sell 200 tickets, but we sold 500,’ he says.
‘Rock for Alzheimer’s has taken on a life of its own. It’s a rock gig, yes, but it’s also a celebration.’
Play to your strengths. If you have a passion and you have connections, leverage them.
‘You need a lead-in with promotion, so my advice is don’t rush.
‘Contact your local Society fundraisers – they can help with branding, promotion and volunteers too.
‘Be imaginative. Every year, we try make things different. We never take it for granted that it will sell out.’

Crafting to fundraise for dementia
Angie Wild formed a crafters group in Tameside in 2023 and they’ve raised nearly £14,000 so far.
Group members are aged from below 40 to above 80, and some have direct experience of dementia. They’ve created everything from Easter chicks to forget-me-not cards.
‘It’s about more than the crafts,’ says Angie. ‘The group want to support people living with dementia.
Joining also helps our members feel less isolated. There’s always a cuppa waiting.
‘If you’re looking to fundraise, our advice is see what people like, but give it an edge.
‘Because we are a bit different to what anyone else does, our creations stand out.
‘We try to keep things fresh – everyone comes to the group with different ideas. Promotion is key.
The more we promote, the more people know what we do and support us. In fact, people now come to us.
‘Reach out. Get people in your community to support you, whether it’s raffle prizes or invites to events. Their generosity might surprise you!’

Touring Britain in a vintage vehicle
Derek Hernaman, in Devon, raised over £12,000 touring his vintage Land Rover and caravan – called George and Mildred – around the coast of Britain.
Derek wanted to fundraise for dementia and bowel cancer, which had both affected loved ones.
Once I’d made a Facebook page and it was out there, I couldn’t back down.
‘My advice is, get help. I couldn’t have done this without the people who donated to my fuel fund, and support from a mechanic friend. My son-in-law did the online, techie stuff. I have a very understanding wife too.
People’s generosity on the tour was also amazing. Many campsites waived their fee.
‘Take time to speak with people. During my tour, people came to chat about their experiences, and it was a real eye-opener.
‘Do something you enjoy and be brave. People told me that I was bonkers. When I broke down in the middle of Glasgow, I was beginning to think they were right.
‘But it wasn’t as daunting as you might expect.’
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