Coleshill company ‘on track’ to raise charity funds

Thousands raised by golfers and long-distance cyclists.

A Midlands based IT and recruitment company is on course to raise at least £14,000 for Alzheimer’s Research UK – the UK’s leading dementia research charity.

Staff at Crimson Ltd, based in Coleshill, have recently embarked on a number of fundraising events in aid of Alzheimer’s Research UK, the company’s chosen charity for 2014. The latest event saw a team of 14 employees taking part in the annual Coast-to-Coast cycling challenge. The team cycled some 140 miles over a three-day period through difficult terrain and in the blazing summer heat. This event alone has contributed to the £10,000 the company has raised already over the last month.

The intrepid group of cyclists, which also included Crimson Managing Director Rob Mallaband, set off on their three-day challenge last month, starting in Whitehaven and cycling the breadth of the country to finish in Sunderland.

This is not the only fundraising event the company has taken part in for Alzheimer’s Research UK. In the same month as the Coast-to-Coast, Crimson held a charity golf day and dinner, which was attended by ex-Liverpool and England footballer, Neil ‘Razor’ Ruddock. The dinner also included a charity auction of vintage sports memorabilia, which raised over £4,000, setting Crimson well on the path to achieving its £14,000 target.

The company has also taken part in the Shenstone Fun Run and has organised a charity summer ball which will take place later in September 2014.

Upon completing the Coast-to-Coast challenge Rob Mallaband commented: “This truly was the hardest thing I have ever taken part in, but as we cycled across the Pennines, it really became a team event, with everybody motivating one another. I am delighted that we have been able to raise such a fantastic amount so far for Alzheimer’s Research UK, and the great work they do. It made the numerous steep hills we encountered all the more worthwhile.”

Miranda Johnson, Head of Corporate and Community Partnerships at Alzheimer’s Research UK, added: “Having the support of the Crimson team is very important to Alzheimer’s Research UK and we can’t thank them enough for choosing us as their charity of the year.

“There are hundreds of thousands of people across the UK living with dementia today including over 10,000 people in Birmingham. Dementia poses one of the greatest threats to public health now and in the future but funding for research still lags far behind other serious diseases. We rely on public donations to fund our work and support from businesses like Crimson plays a key part in helping us progress our world-class research.

“We’re very grateful to everyone who took part in the gruelling cycling challenge and for all of the fantastic fundraising initiatives so far.”

Crimson is committed to helping support both local and national charities. In recent years the company has supported a number of worthy causes including the Help Harry Help Others charity, which was the company’s chosen charity for 2013.

For further information about Alzheimer’s Research UK and how to support the charity’s crucial research into Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia call 0300 111 5555 or visit www.alzheimersresearchuk.org