[B]RANCHES of The Cumberland are uniting against dementia as the Cumbria-based building society donates over £9,000 to the Alzheimer’s Society.
The £9,357 donation follows The Cumberland’s Annual General Meeting, which each year sees the building society make a donation on behalf of every voting member to benefit worthy causes supporting its branches’ surrounding communities.
With around 850,000 people in the UK currently living with dementia, this figure is set to increase to over one million by 2025 as the country’s aging population continues to grow. The Cumberland’s donation to the Alzheimer’s Society will help ensure that people affected by dementia across Cumbria and North Lancashire continue to receive the support they need.
Forecasts from the Cumbria Intelligence Observatory show that by 2019 the number of residents in Cumbria aged over 65 is projected to increase by 8,990 people (+11.4%) across Cumbria (England +9.4%), while the proportion of over 65s is expected to increase to 24.6%, the sixth greatest proportion of all English counties (England 18.5%).
Alex Windle, The Cumberland’s marketing director, said: “With the number of dementia diagnoses growing rapidly, coupled with the uncertain future of many social care services, we were keen to choose a beneficiary of our Annual General Meeting donation that would make a real difference to the communities which we serve.
“The Alzheimer’s Society not only provide a fantastic front-line service to people with dementia and their families, but the charity also plays a pivotal role in raising awareness of dementia care.”
The Alzheimer’s Society is the UK’s leading dementia charity, which is providing information and support, challenging perceptions, improving care and creating lasting change for people affected by dementia.
Sue Swire, community fundraiser for the Alzheimer’s Society in Cumbria and Lancashire, added: “It’s wonderful that The Cumberland is supporting us and all the customers who have taken the time to vote for us. I truly cannot thank them all enough, their support will go a long way to help us continue to provide support for people living with dementia and their carers.
“Dementia devastates lives, but dementia won’t win. Until the day we find a cure we will be here for anyone affected by dementia, wherever they are, whatever they’re going through. We need more people to join us now and unite against dementia.”
Established in 1850, The Cumberland is a mutual building society run for the benefit of its customers with 34 branches located across Cumbria, North Lancashire and South West Scotland. For more information on The Cumberland’s range of services visit one of its branches, call its Carlisle-based customer service team on 01228 403 141 or visit www.cumberland.co.uk.
For more information about the Alzheimer’s Society visit www.alzheimers.org.uk.
