Kier : Kevin Whately joins Kier to celebrate raising over £300,000 for Alzheimer’s Society

Over the past 18 months, Kier teams have embarked on a wide range of fundraising initiatives, including the 2020 Challenge, its most ambitious charity challenge ever. Using only non-motorised transport, hundreds of construction colleagues took part, travelling from the top of Scotland at Orkney down to the tip of the South West coast in Truro linked up dozens of Kier sites and projects in less than 2020 hours.

Using a vast array of creative modes of transport from Kayaks to unicycles and rickshaws, the teams relayed across the UK raising funds and raising awareness for this vital cause. There are more than 6,800 people living with dementia in Bedfordshire alone. The money raised will help fund a unique research project into early onset dementia, as well as 11,785 Dementia Support Workers hours who help those living with dementia remain independent in their homes for longer.

Other fundraising events included a chilli growing competition, memory walks, tea and talk with colleagues and 52 events in December to raise money during the festive period. Kier has also set about raising awareness of the condition throughout its business, offering easy access to information, advice and services.

Hundreds of employees have become Dementia Friends, an initiative to transform the way the nation thinks, acts and talks about dementia. Becoming a Dementia Friend simply means finding out more about how dementia affects a person - and then, armed with this understanding, doing small everyday things that help.

Kier chief executive Haydn Mursell commented: 'I am incredibly proud of Kier for all kinds of reasons, but it always comes back to the fact that it's our people that makes us a great organisation. They have shown incredible commitment, creativity, determination and generosity, and I know that our charity partner, Alzheimer's Society is tremendously grateful for what they have achieved.

'Their different fundraising activities have shown the breadth and depth of talent and passion across the Group, and we hope that this significant donation will help Alzheimer's Society continue its research into this devastating condition, to offer hope and practical support for all those who are affected by dementia.'

Kevin Whately, Alzheimer's Society ambassador, said: 'It is truly uplifting to hear about the different ways people are united against dementia in all walks of life. It is a pleasure to visit Kier Group and hear the inspiring ways employees have raised money across the country.

'It is a huge credit to everyone involved for the £300,000 already raised, as I know that every pound will help Alzheimer's Society provide information and support, improve care, fund research and create lasting change for people affected by dementia.'

Jeremy Hughes, Chief Executive of Alzheimer's Society, said: 'Dementia is one of the greatest challenges we face in society today and is set to become the 21st century's biggest killer. We are delighted that Kier Group is supporting all those affected by dementia by making commitments to become more dementia-friendly.

'We encourage everyone to take action now whether it be fundraising or becoming a dementia friend just like the staff here have done. We urgently need people to unite with us to improve care, offer help and understanding to those affected, and find a cure. Together, we can bring about change. Unite now at alzheimers.org.uk'