Dobbies’ Alzheimer’s Research UK partnership raises £235,000 in first year as Ayr store raises £4,213

Dobbies Garden Centre in Ayr has helped raise more than £4,200 for Alzheimer’s Research UK as part of a national partnership that has brought in £235,000 in its first year.

The fundraising total was announced as Dobbies Garden Centres marked the first year of its partnership with the dementia research charity, which launched in March 2025. Ayr store customers and staff contributed £4,213 to the overall figure through a range of in-store and community fundraising efforts.

Dobbies said the partnership was chosen because of its close connection to colleagues, customers and local communities, while also supporting Alzheimer’s Research UK’s Think Brain Health campaign, which promotes the benefits of gardening and garden living for brain health.

Marcel Oszczypala, General Manager of Dobbies’ Ayr store, thanked everyone who had supported the appeal over the past year.

He said: “We truly appreciate everything our colleagues and customers have done to support our partnership with Alzheimer’s Research UK over the past year and would like to thank everyone for their involvement.

“From charity initiatives in-store and our dedicated Christmas Shopping Night to colleague fundraising challenges, we’ve come together to make a real difference.”

Alzheimer’s Research UK, the UK’s leading dementia research charity, said the funding comes at a crucial time as the number of people living with dementia continues to rise.

Dr Sheona Scales, Director of Research at Alzheimer’s Research UK, said: “Almost one million people are living with dementia in the UK, and this number is predicted to reach 1.4 million by 2040. Alzheimer’s Research UK exists to change that. It is more urgent than ever that we revolutionise the way dementia is treated, diagnosed and prevented.

“We are incredibly proud to work with Dobbies. This partnership is helping us share the message of brain health while raising vital funds to help end the heartbreak of dementia.”

The Ayr store’s fundraising total was built through a variety of initiatives, including sales of a special bulb pack created in partnership with Taylors Bulbs, a Christmas Shopping Night, online event donations and colleague challenges such as marathons.

During World Alzheimer’s Month in September, Dobbies also introduced a nationwide micro-donation scheme with charity partner Pennies, allowing customers to add a 25p donation when paying by card at tills. Across all 53 stores, the scheme has already raised more than £69,000.

Dobbies has confirmed the partnership will continue into a second year, with new fundraising plans including support for Edinburgh’s Walk for a Cure and donations linked to selected plant purchases.