LEADING charity the Alzheimer’s Society is set for a major boost from Sainsbury’s customers at Wilmslow if the last year is anything to go by.

The organisation is the store’s chosen charity for the next 12 months after a vote by the customers.

Wilmslow Sainsbury’s supports a different charity every year, with £16,500 having been raised for Marie Curie over the last 12 months.

That success followed the store raising £25,000 for the Teenage Cancer Trust.

Applications were invited from organisations for this year’s charity, and the Alzheimer’s Society nomination was sent in by Ashley Dodd, the charity’s community fundraiser for Cheshire.

The applications were whittled down to a final three, which were then put to the customers’ vote to choose the winner.

“It is fantastic that Sainsbury’s in Wilmslow are supporting us,” said Ashley.

“It will enable us to make an impact in the community, and we are planning to have an awareness evening at the store later in the year, when we will be holding a Dementia Friends session.

“We are also looking to work with different groups in the community.”

Staff member Sue Moore promotes the store’s chosen charities within the community.

“It’s the first time we have supported The Alzheimer’s Society, and we hope to raise money and awareness,” she said.

“Our customers are very generous, and I would like to thank them for their support for Marie Curie, which came from change they dropped in collection buckets.”

The store has a banner and window display to promote its links with the charity, and is due to have an information stand where customers can pick up leaflets.

Tatton MP Esther McVey chatted about the charity link-up with manager Andy Ireland when she visited the store.

“Dementia is not a natural part of ageing and it doesn’t just affect older people,” said an Alzheimer’s Society spokesman.

“More than 40,000 people under 65 in the UK have dementia - this is called early-onset or young-onset dementia.

“If you’re worried about your memory, or about someone else, the first thing to do is make an appointment with the GP.”