0 Spennymoor friends raised thousands for Alzheimers Research UK
Friends who have made tens of thousands of pounds for a charity close to their hearts have called time on their incredible fundraising efforts.
Members of Spennymoor-based Brighter Skies have decided that the time is right for them to take a step back from their charity work, after raising £92,041.39 for Alzheimer’s Research UK since 2010.
The friends formed the group, having all had personal experience of dementia through friends and family and wanting to do something in their community to raise vital funds for dementia research.
They have worked tirelessly doing that over the past 12 years.
Weekly bingo events, which started at Hartley Terrace Community Centre before moving to Middlestone Moor WMC, contributed a large proportion of the money raised, alongside other fundraisers such as supermarket collections, tombolas, dances and race nights.
Margaret Gibson, of Brighter Skies, said: “Brighter Skies Fundraising would like to thank everyone and every company that has supported our fundraising efforts during these years.
"This in turn, has not only helped to fund the continuing research carried out by Alzheimer's Research UK, but has allowed us the opportunity to raise awareness of dementia and its effects.”
Brighter Skies handed over its final donation of £1,401.89 to Matt Clarke, community fundraising manager, at Middlestone Moor WMC late last year.
The City of Durham Lions Club also presented a cheque to Mr Clarke for £1,000, after agreeing to take on the running of the weekly bingo fundraiser and to continue supporting Alzheimer’s Research UK.
Alzheimer’s Research UK, the UK’s leading dementia research charity, powers world class studies focusing on prevention, diagnosis and treatments for dementia.
Without these, one in three people born today will develop dementia in their lifetime.
Mr Clarke said: “We’re so grateful to everyone in Brighter Skies fundraising group for everything that they have done for Alzheimer’s Research UK."
"The amount they have raised will really make a difference and the group have also helped to raise awareness of dementia locally."
"One in two people know someone affected by dementia."
"Fantastic fundraising efforts like this will help us to make life-changing research breakthroughs that will keep people connected to their families, their worlds and themselves for longer.”
For further information about Alzheimer’s Research UK, or to find out more about fundraising for the charity, call 0300-1115555 or visit alzheimersresearchuk.org