Blog
How you can help Alzheimer’s Research UK this Christmas: Six Supporter Stories
By Rachel Bates | Monday 20 November 2023
The festive season can be a wonderful time to share food, exchange presents and spend quality moments with your loved ones.
But Christmas can have so much more meaning when we choose to give something back to a cause close to our hearts.
We know that if nothing changes, 1 in 2 people will have their lives affected by dementia – either by receiving a diagnosis, caring for a loved one with dementia, or both. That’s why, this Christmas, your help is needed more than ever.
Whether it’s raising awareness, sending charity Christmas cards or making a donation to support dementia research, your support brings hope to the people living with dementia and their loved ones.
Every action we take moves us closer to a cure for dementia. Here are six ways you can support Alzheimer’s Research UK this Christmas, as told by some of our brilliant supporters.
“My lovely mum, Pauline, remembering me on Christmas Eve is a powerful reminder of how important traditions can be at Christmas time, especially for people living with dementia. It was all down to a special Christmas cake that she taught me to bake when I was a little girl.
“That special moment my mum recognised me convinced me to support dementia research so that we can change the ending for other families.
“You can watch my story here. I also share my mum’s famous Christmas cake recipe for you to try! Perhaps baking it will become your new Christmas tradition.”
– Alison, Alzheimer’s Research UK supporter
Alison and her mum, Pauline
2. Share our Santa Forgot film narrated by Stephen Fry
“When my dad Mike was first diagnosed with young onset Alzheimer’s disease, he decided he wanted to do something positive to raise awareness of dementia.
“I wanted to carry on his passion by taking part in the Santa Forgot film, which was aired as a TV advert to reach lots of people. I had the brilliant opportunity of voicing the little girl in the film, Freya. It was a fitting tribute to my dad.
“I still feel it’s so important to share the hope we can experience when we invest in dementia research. That’s why I share the Santa Forgot film in memory of my dad. It would mean a lot to me if you could share Santa Forgot on social media too to help raise awareness of the need for dementia research this Christmas.”
– Ciana, Alzheimer’s Research UK supporter
Ciana with her dad, Mike, and sister, Chrissi, in the French Alps 2006
3. Send an Alzheimer’s Research UK Christmas card
“Sending season’s greetings to your friends and family is a lovely way to show you care. This year I designed ‘The Hare’ card specially for Alzheimer’s Research UK in honour of my dad, Mike, who passed away with young onset Alzheimer’s disease in 2020.
“Dad loved receiving cards from us; and the words of love inside always meant so much to him. He loved robins, too, so I included one in the design as a nod to him.
“I was always so proud that dad volunteered to help with dementia research studies in the hope of benefitting future generations. Designing this card for a charity so close to our hearts has helped me feel that little bit closer to him at Christmas time.”
“Let your loved ones know you are thinking of them this Christmas by sending them one of our beautiful cards – you can choose from my Hare design, an Elmer the Elephant, traditional robin or three kings design, so there’s lots of choice!”
– Hayley, Alzheimer’s Research UK supporter
Hayley with ‘The Hare’ card she designed for Alzheimer’s Research UK
4. Sign up to fundraise for a cure for dementia
“I run to raise much-needed funds for dementia research so other families don’t have to go through the heartache of dementia like mine has.
“Running helped me to cope with the heartbreak of what happened to my dad, Ian, who was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease in 2011. My dad was still jogging in his local park into his early 80s, so I think of him whenever I run.
“Like thousands of other families, dementia brought sadness and loss to ours, but I’ve been very lucky to have raised thousands of pounds for dementia research since then. I’ve also met so many inspiring people along the way. Many are now true friends who through their fundraising efforts are keeping the issue of dementia front and centre in the hearts and minds of the public.
“Why not join other fundraisers to spread the festive cheer this Christmas? Sign up to fundraise for dementia research today. The New Year is a great time to set a goal for yourself, whether it’s signing up for a fun challenge, hosting a quiz with friends or putting on a bake sale in your community!”
– Stuart, Alzheimer’s Research UK supporter
Stuart running the Cambridge Half Marathon for the charity in 2022
“I have supported Alzheimer’s Research UK for a number of years and I always buy their raffle tickets. It’s a bit of fun and a great way to fund important research for dementia.
“I still remember the call from the charity to tell me that I had won a big cash prize. We used the £3,000 prize money to take my daughter and grandchildren to visit my son and his wife who live in Canada – we had a wonderful trip together and made some great memories!
“Sadly, any breakthroughs are too late for my nan and mum, who both had dementia, but for the next generation it might make all the difference. Playing the raffle helps scientists get closer to finding a cure for dementia – you could even buy some raffle tickets as Christmas presents!
“What would you use the money for? Fingers crossed you will be lucky!”
– Dee, Alzheimer’s Research UK supporter
Dee with her family on their trip to Canada
6. Dedicate a special place to remember your loved one
“Growing up, me and my brother, Will, would always spend a week with my grandparents in Clacton during the summer holidays. They lived very close to the beach, and we have so many happy memories of building sandcastles and playing in the sea with my grandad, David.
“Sadly, I lost my grandad to Alzheimer’s disease. That’s why, when I made a donation to the charity in his memory, I decided to dedicate our special place at the beach on their virtual map to mark some of the fun we shared together there.
“It was lovely to think of happier times with him and to look through some of the memories that others had shared of their loved ones too. Dedicating a place on the charity’s map where you have fond memories of your loved one who has passed away is a lovely way to remember them at Christmas time.”
– Charlotte, Alzheimer’s Research UK supporter
Charlotte’s brother, Will, grandma, Christine, and grandad, David, on the beach in Clacton
Thank you to all our supporters who help us get closer to a cure for dementia every day. Your support really can help us to change the ending for people living with dementia.
Wishing you a wonderful festive season from Alzheimer’s Research UK.
About the author
Rachel Bates
Communications Officer - Supporters & Families
Team: Supporters and families