Roadchef Joins Alzheimer’s Research UK In The Journey For A Cure For Dementia

Today, Friday 31 May 2024, leading motorway service area operator, Roadchef, has announced Alzheimer’s Research UK as its new charity partner after a staff vote.

Roadchef has been a part of the nation’s journeys for over five decades, welcoming more than 52 million road users across 30 services a year. To help protect the big and small memories Roadchef see made every day, they’ve partnered with the charity to support its mission for a cure for dementia.

Dementia puts treasured memories at risk. If nothing changes, one in two people will be directly affected by dementia – either by developing the condition themselves, caring for someone with it, or, tragically, both. Alzheimer’s Research UK exists to change that and is striving for a cure for dementia by revolutionising the way it is treated, diagnosed, and, ultimately, prevented. Last financial year, thanks to its supporters, it invested an incredible £23 million in cutting-edge research.

Commencing in September during World Alzheimer’s Month, the two-year partnership aims to raise vital funds and awareness of dementia, through staff and customer fundraising. The start of this partnership will mark the end of their six-year incredible fundraising efforts for Cancer Research UK – which raised over £5 million.

Hilary Evans, Chief Executive of Alzheimer’s Research UK, said:

“Alzheimer’s Research UK is thrilled to be joining Roadchef as its new charity partner. Thank you to the Roadchef teams for voting to stand with us for a cure for dementia.

"Dementia robs us of everything that matters. Our memories. Our connections. Our story. Right now, there isn’t a cure for this cruel condition. Although the first treatments for Alzheimer’s disease are finally on the horizon, there is still a way to go. We must give hope to the families who are relying on us to find life-changing treatments, which is why it is more important than ever that we continue progress towards a cure. With Roadchef by our side, we will end the heartbreak of dementia.”

Mark Fox, Chief Executive of Roadchef, said:

“I am personally delighted that, after polling our 3,500 employees, we have chosen Alzheimer’s Research UK as our new national charity partner. We have enjoyed significant success with Cancer Research UK over the past six years and I am certain that we can replicate that in this new relationship.

“The fact that over half of our employees and customers will know someone affected by dementia is likely one of the factors that encouraged our employees to vote to support Alzheimer’s Research UK. This will give all of us the motivation to support them as much as possible in their mission to raise awareness of dementia and to raise funds to fund research leading to a cure.

“I know from personal experience the devastating impact that dementia can have on those with the condition but also the much wider impact on their family and loved ones. This personal experience, combined with the clear desire to support Alzheimer’s Research UK demonstrated by our employee poll, gives me great confidence that our new national charity partnership will make a truly positive contribution to the mission of ending the heartbreak of dementia.”