David Van Day Flies In For Charity Tea Party - Alzheimer's Society

Main Category: Alzheimer's / Dementia
Article Date: 26 May 2009 - 4:00 PDT

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I'm a Celebrity: Get Me out of Here! star David Van Day today (20 May) swapped jungle bugs and snakes for mugs and cakes to raise vital funds and awareness for people with dementia and their carers.

The event marks the official launch of the easyJet and Alzheimer's Society charity partnership.

In his toughest challenge yet, David donned a chef's apron, hat and teapot to serve tea to thirsty easyJet cabin crew and staff in support of Alzheimer's Society. easyJet chose Alzheimer's Society as its charity of the year after a vote by 7,000 members of staff across Europe and hopes to raise £300,000 in one year.

David Van Day says,

'It's fantastic that staff have voted for Alzheimer's Society to be their charity of the year. It is a cause that is so close to my heart as my mother has the disease.

One in three people over the age of 65 will die with dementia. It is also extremely sad for families who see their loved ones go through the traumatic experience of the condition. I hope this partnership raises enormous amounts of vital money and awareness.'

Andy Harrison, chief executive of, easyJet says,

'David Van Day donning a chef's outfit, serving tea out of a giant tea pot and a homemade cake sale; not your ordinary day in the office! But today was a fantastic start to a very important partnership. Dementia is a devastating condition that affects millions of families.

Today is just the beginning. Over the next year easyJet staff across Europe will be helping Alzheimer's Society care for people today and find a cure for tomorrow.'

Neil Hunt, chief executive of Alzheimer's Society says,

'It's been a wonderful Day for people with dementia and their carers. easyJet staff came out trumps by baking cakes and taking tea, raising vital funds and awareness.

We are hugely grateful to easyJet staff and David Van Day. Dementia is not a natural part of ageing; it is caused by diseases of the brain and has a massive impact on people's lives.'

Alzheimer's Society received 10p from every cup of tea sold. The charity will also receive donations from in-flight collections over the summer and will also be granted a percentage of proceeds from the sale of scratchcards sold on board.

Notes

- One in three people over 65 will die with dementia

- 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 campaigns for and 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

- The Alzheimer's Society needs to raise money to care for people today and to find a cure for tomorrow. You can donate now by calling 0845 306 0898 or visiting http://www.alzheimers.org.uk

- Alzheimer's Society provides a National Dementia Helpline, the number is 0845 300 0336 or visit http://www.alzheimers.org.uk

Source
Alzheimer's Society

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