As part of our ongoing “From Insight to Impact” initiative at HFMA, NHS financial leaders were invited to take part for the chance to win a £1,000 charitable donation. The initiative gave the winner the opportunity to nominate a charity of their choice, supporting a cause that is close to their heart.
The winner, Natasha Ralston from The Christie NHS Foundation Trust, chose Alzheimer’s Society as the beneficiary of the donation.
We were delighted to present the cheque to Natasha at The Christie, where the donation will help Alzheimer’s Society provide vital support to people living with dementia, as well as their families and carers.
A Cause Close to the Heart
For Natasha, the opportunity to choose a charity was particularly meaningful due to her own personal experience of Alzheimer’s:
“My late granny had Alzheimer’s and lived with the disease for over 10 years before she passed away, so it’s something that’s really close to my heart. We also had a very close family friend who had Down syndrome and was later diagnosed with Alzheimer’s. I grew up with her around, so losing them both in quite quick succession was really difficult.
I think there needs to be more research into Alzheimer’s and more treatment options available. It’s scary to think that it could potentially happen to me one day, particularly knowing that there is a family history. That’s why having the opportunity to choose Alzheimer’s Society as the charity for this donation means so much to me. I just think the more we can do, the better.”
– Natasha Ralston, The Christie NHS Foundation Trust
About Alzheimer’s Society
Alzheimer’s Society is a leading dementia charity, supporting people affected by dementia while funding research and campaigning for change.
The charity provides information, advice and practical support to people living with dementia, as well as their families and carers. Its work helps people navigate the challenges that can come with a dementia diagnosis, while promoting greater understanding and awareness of the condition.
The £1,000 donation will help fund six Singing for the Brain sessions and 140 calls through Alzheimer’s Society’s Dementia Support Line, helping to provide meaningful support to people affected by dementia.
“We are so grateful to Ergéa for pledging this donation and to Natasha for choosing Alzheimer’s Society.
“£1,000 could help cover the costs of six Singing for the Brain sessions. These sessions can bring a wealth of benefits to participants, from expressing themselves through their favourite songs to getting some gentle exercise through dance. A good session can leave people feeling uplifted long after the final notes are played and give people something to look forward to.
“It’s so important to us to not only raise funds for our local services but also to raise awareness of dementia, which is the UK’s biggest killer. One in three people born today will develop dementia in their lifetime, so it’s vital that we continue to support families, fund research and keep dementia high on the government agenda.”
– Grace Burke, Regional Fundraiser for Greater Manchester at Alzheimer’s Society
Turning Insight into Impact
What began as an opportunity to gather insight from NHS financial leaders has resulted in meaningful support for people and families affected by dementia.
For Natasha, being able to direct the £1,000 donation towards Alzheimer’s Society means supporting a cause that has touched her family personally, while helping raise awareness of a condition that affects so many people.
For Ergéa, the donation is an opportunity to support a cause that matters to one of our NHS partners and contribute to the wider healthcare community, reflecting the social value that can come from meaningful engagement and partnerships.
By turning a simple thank-you into a contribution to a cause that makes a real difference, we hope this initiative will help support Alzheimer’s Society’s vital work and the people and families it serves.
How You Can Get Involved
Alzheimer’s Society offers a range of ways for individuals and organisations to support people affected by dementia, from volunteering and fundraising to becoming a charity partner.
- Volunteer at Memory Walk: Help support Alzheimer’s Society’s nationwide Memory Walk events, which raise vital funds for people affected by dementia. Find out more about volunteering at Memory Walk.
- Volunteer with dementia services: Support people affected by dementia through opportunities such as Singing for the Brain and Group Support volunteering. Explore volunteering opportunities.
- Become a Companion Call volunteer: Help reduce isolation and build meaningful connections with people affected by dementia through regular calls. Find out more about Companion Call volunteering.
- Fundraise or become a charity partner: From workplace fundraising and payroll giving to taking part in events such as Elf Day, there are many ways to support Alzheimer’s Society’s work.
To find out more about Alzheimer’s Society and how you can get involved, visit alzheimers.org.uk.