We’d like to recognise the significant fundraising efforts by a group of business leaders who have a special interest in working with the motorsport and business community in Scotland. A lead figure in this group is our very own CEO, Willie Paterson.
On Friday 28th February, a belated but hugely anticipated Burns supper was held at the luxury Crossbasket Castle Hotel in Lanarkshire in aid of Race Against Dementia.
Founded by Sir Jackie Stewart OBE, after his wife Helen’s frontotemporal dementia diagnosis, Race Against Dementia funds early-career researchers to accelerate progress towards a cure for the disease. It is a truly dynamic team drawn from Formula 1, industry, commerce, the legal profession and philanthropy, and is guided by a group of trustees determined to find a cure for dementia.
With more than 55 million people affected globally, and someone diagnosed every three seconds with the disease, Race Against Dementia is taking action to drive significant breakthroughs and develop leaders in the field.
The evening itself was a huge success. Funds raised on the night passed £220,000 as more than 200 guests enjoyed a supper created by Michel Roux Jr, including Haggis a la Michel Roux. Guest singers, musicians and celebrity contributions all added to an amazing evening and included the Immortal Memory given by Lord Roberston. Mark Stewart spoke about the global charity on behalf of his father, and explained how the Race Against Dementia programme was already making positive steps forward in finding a cure.
This event is another in what has become a series of huge fundraisers by a small group of Scottish business leaders, including Willie, and the focus will now move to the bi-annual Drive for Maggie’s, a 3-day tour around Southern Scotland. It is set for the end of August, with ambitions to again raise over £200k for cancer charity Maggie’s.
Congratulations to all involved and thank you for the generosity of those who both contributed and attended. Thanks also to that small group of business leaders who willingly give their time to make such a huge contribution to fighting diseases that touch us all, and where fundraising is critical.
