Alzheimer's Research UK

Hilary’s generosity to Alzheimer’s research results in a fine brew

04/08/2010

Hilary is one of 12 lucky prize winners drawn from over 32,000 entries, on Tuesday 27. Her ticket won third prize of afternoon tea for two at this internationally renowned five star hotel. 

An Administrative Assistant with the NHS in Melbourn, Hilary expressed her delight at winning and her inspiration for supporting the Alzheimer’s Research Trust:

“What a lovely surprise! My husband, Peter, was only saying the other day that we never win anything – it looks like our luck has changed.

“I’ll be celebrating my 60th birthday very soon, so tea at The Ritz will be a wonderful birthday treat. I'm very excited and I’m sure it will be an unforgettable afternoon.

“My mum, Joyce, died with Alzheimer’s nine years ago at the age of 77. Soon after her diagnosis my parents moved to Royston from Bristol to be near us. It became increasingly difficult to care for mum over the years as she got more and more forgetful and confused. She would get up in the night and wander round the house, quite lost, and it was so stressful for my poor dad. Towards the end she needed specialist care and we managed to get her settled into a wonderful local care home.

"I'm now aware that there’s very little funding for research and I try to do my bit to help by making donations and buying the charity’s prize draw tickets and Christmas cards.”

Miranda Mays, Community Fundraising Manager for the Alzheimer’s Research Trust, said:

“It’s always a pleasure to ring someone with good news and we’re thrilled this lucky win coincides with Hilary’s birthday. The prizes were donated by businesses and individuals from across the country and the winning tickets were chosen by Breakfast Show presenter, Jeremy Sallis, based at our local radio station at BBC Radio Cambridgeshire. He came to our offices and made the draw a very special occasion.

“The public has really been behind us with this year’s prize draw campaign and we’ve sold a record-breaking number of tickets, raising £77,000. This money will fund an amazing 6,000 hours of vital research into Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia, bringing new preventions, treatments and a cure ever nearer.

“There are over 11,000 people in Hertfordshire living with the daily reality of dementia and more investment into research is desperately needed. The Alzheimer’s Research Trust relies entirely on its wonderful supporters like Hilary and we hope that she enjoys a sumptuous tea at The Ritz.”

Winners of the Alzheimer's Research Trust Prize Draw 2010:

1st prize - Hewlett Pakcard mini netbook computer - Ticket no.0970586 - Mr W H Topham, Chattenden, Kent.

2nd prize - Marks & Spencer vouchers worth £250 - Ticket no.0400637 - Mr G L Williams, Newport.

3rd prize - Afternoon tea for two at The Ritz London - Ticket no.0605898 - Mrs H King, Royston, Herts.

4th prize - One night's accommodation for two at an Interncontinental hotel - Ticket no.0573677 - Mrs N M Tripp, King's Lynn, Norfolk.

5th prize - Dinner for two at Home House - Ticket no.0437501 - Mr R D Lane, Wirral, Merseyside.

6th prize - Framed etching by Frans Wesselman - Ticket no.0625046 - Mrs K Pike, Wimborne, Dorset.

7th prize - Cambridge University Press book vouchers worth £100 - Ticket no.0491141 - Mr E White, Broseley, Shropshire.

8th prize - Two tickets to attend a London Philharmonic Orchestra concert - Ticket no.0451285 - Miss C Huntington, York.

9th prize - Two tickets to attend a Royal Philharmonic Orchestra concert - Ticket no.1025166 - Mr A Mountjoy, Bristol.

10th prize - John Lewis voucher worth £50 - Ticket no.0692557 - Mr J P Thomas, Leominster, Herefordshire.

11th prize - Porcelain owl paperweight - Ticket no.1032816 - Mr A Raven, London N5.

12th prize - Bouquet of flowers - Ticket no.46375 - Mrs L Nelms, Pontypridd, Mid Glamorgan.