Did you know that around 1 million people in the UK have dementia? Or that this is likely to rise to 1.6 million in less than 20 years? On average one person develops dementia every three minutes, and currently there is no cure.
At Simpler Law we have chosen the Alzheimer's Society as our first ever official charity of the year and hope to raise much-needed funds for this worthwhile cause. Our target, working alongside our colleagues in The HAIG Legal Group at Fidelis Legal Services and Northwood Banks & Co, is to raise £5,000 by the end of 2024.
We began our fundraising shortly before Christmas by joining in the Alzheimer's Charity Elf Day, where our generous staff donated nearly £300 from across all the whole Group. We have many other plans lined up throughout the year and will be making a donation of £1.00 for each Family & Estate Will we sell through certain sources.
Alice Grewcock, East Midlands Community Fundraiser for Alzheimer’s Society said:
“We are so grateful that Simpler Law have chosen to support Alzheimer’s Society as their first ever charity of the year. Their fundraising will help us to provide vital support for people affected by dementia. Too many face dementia alone but every £10 donated, could mean someone gets the support they need by providing that first telephone conversation with one of our Dementia Advisers.
Dementia is the UK’s biggest killer. Alzheimer’s Society is here for everyone affected by dementia, for practical advice, emotional support, and guidance for the best next step. Our website has a wealth of information including an online symptoms checklist, endorsed by the Royal College of GPs. For more information visit: alzheimers.org.uk"
When dealing with our clients we take our duty of care very seriously. This means that we have to ensure that the people we are dealing with have what is known as ‘testamentary capacity’. This is a legal term which effectively means that the person involved has to have an understanding of the process and what they are asking for.
Alzheimer's, and other forms of dementia, can deeply affect an individual’s ‘testamentary capacity’, and is therefore something we need to be very aware of when working with our clients. It is our hope that as well as raising money for the charity we can also benefit from the insights the Alzheimer’s Charity have into dementia, and thus improve our client care.
One in three people born today will develop dementia in their lifetime. Many are undiagnosed and do not receive the support they need and deserve. If you would like to help us reach our target please donate, if you are able, at our dedicated Just Giving page here.