Million-pound milestone for Mencap fund

May 12 2011

One million pounds has been raised for Mencap, the Co-operative Group’s charity of the year, after just three months of fundraising.

Staff across the Group’s family of businesses have taken part in cycle rides, a co-operative themed coffee morning, ten-pin bowling and Fairtrade cookery shows, while ten colleagues completed the London Marathon for the learning disability charity.

The partnership with Mencap was officially launched in January when two soap stars — former Eastender Natalie Cassidy and Coronation Street’s Alan Halsall — joined staff at the society’s Manchester offices to kick-start the appeal.

Both pledged their support for the Group as it set out on a year-long, fun-filled programme of fundraising to help the charity transform the lives of 20,000 young people with a learning disability in the UK‚ giving them the skills and confidence they need to play a more active part in society.

Peter Marks, Group Chief Executive, said: “This partnership will play a key role in helping us to bring about a cultural shift in the way young people are viewed and treated in this country — a key objective of our commitment to Inspiring Young People. To have already raised £1 million, so early in the partnership, is a truly fantastic achievement.

“I would like to thank all those who have taken part in fundraising events so far and helped to raise money for this worthy cause.”