In September last year, Grant Berry, NorthEdge Executive Chair, and his wife Joanna hosted a gala charity dinner at the Owen House Wedding Barn in Mobberley, Cheshire in aid of The National Brain Appeal’s campaign for Rare Dementia Support.
The evening was sponsored by NorthEdge and MC2, hosted by the comedian and actor Justin Moorhouse and attended by over 160 guests from the Northern corporate community. Entertainment was provided by Heather Small, formerly of M People, and there was a charity auction with some fabulous prizes on offer.
Overall, the evening was a huge success, raising £190,000 – an amazing achievement and providing a special night that will stay long in the memories of those attending. This combined with two Charity Golf Days in 2023 and 2024; the Born Survivor Event in April last year and Grant completing the London Marathon in 2023 means Grant and the NorthEdge community collectively raised £330,500 for The National Brain Appeal and Rare Dementia Support. Thank you so much for everyone’s support.
Speaking on NorthEdge’s efforts throughout 2024, The National Brain Appeal’s Major Appeals Manager, Eva Tait said, “On behalf of Rare Dementia Support, and our appeal to build the world’s first Rare Dementia Support Centre, The National Brain Appeal charity would like to extend our very grateful thanks to Grant and Jo Berry and NorthEdge for their tremendous contribution to fundraising for the UCL-led Rare Dementia Support service and centre over the past year.
“NorthEdge’s sunny golf day at Wilmslow Golf Club earlier this year was a brilliant success raising over £31,000 for this vital support service that offers social, emotional and practical support services to people living with, or affected by a rare dementia diagnosis.
“In September ‘Grant and Jo Berry’s evening for Rare Dementias’ saw NorthEdge support the appeal for the Rare Dementia Support Centre which will provide a home for Rare Dementia Support and a hub from which to extend the support services across the UK. The charity is hugely appreciative of the support that NorthEdge’s staff, clients and colleagues provided on the night, more than fulfilling the aims of the evening by raising an extraordinary £190,000.
“NorthEdge’s contribution will enable more people affected by rare dementias to receive support more widely across the UK, so we can’t thank you enough for this immense contribution to our appeal.”
About Rare Dementia Support
Rare Dementia Support (RDS) is a world-leading, UK-based service funded by the National Brain Appeal. RDS aims to empower, guide, and inform people living with a rare dementia diagnosis and those who care about them. All proceeds raised will go to RDS with some used towards the establishment of a world’s first Rare Dementia Centre which is hoped to be open within the next two years. Up to 15% of people living with a dementia have a rare dementia. This can bring with it a unique and complex set of challenges, including difficulties with language, vision, movement, and behaviour. However, there is a widespread lack of understanding and a shortage in the resources needed to support those affected.