Everyone’s A Winner at Wembley Charity Match

Some feelgood Friday news for you, after a unique charity football match at Wembley. Here’s the word;

Members of the insurance industry took part in a once in a lifetime opportunity last week (7 December), when they set foot on the hallowed turf at the home of football, Wembley Stadium, to support Alzheimer’s Society. Four teams from Allianz and partners, Arch Insurance International, CNA Hardy and Howden partook in charity fundraising football matches hosted by Alzheimer’s Society and The Football Association (FA), with over £50,000 being committed for the event, which will help fund research into early diagnosis.

The teams present at Thursday’s event were treated to the full Wembley experience, from getting changed in the same dressing room graced by England stars like Harry Kane, to walking out under the iconic arch to music of their choice.

Players also wore and took home an England jersey and received a motivational message from World Cup-winning legend Sir Geoff Hurst. The winners also followed in the footsteps of footballing giants, by climbing up to the Royal Box.

The insurance industry’s support for Alzheimer’s Society has never been more important, with 1 in 3 people born today going on to develop dementia in their lifetime. Diagnosis rates also hit a five year low during the pandemic and have been slow to recover, resulting in thousands missing out on treatment, care and support a diagnosis can bring.

Alzheimer’s Society has been working closely with the insurance industry for a number of years via the Insurance United Against Dementia (IUAD) campaign. Led by Alzheimer’s Society and leaders from the insurance sector, the campaign has raised over £8 million towards the charity’s support services and research programme, as well as driving awareness across the sector of the support available to staff and customers affected by dementia.

Chris Park, Development Boards Lead at Alzheimer’s Society, said: “We were delighted to welcome teams from our corporate partners and connections through the IUAD Board to what was a special night at Wembley, courtesy of our partnership with The FA.

“The evening provided an unforgettable experience for all involved, as well as a great opportunity to continue building on our relationships with those within the insurance industry and carry on the momentum of the IUAD movement, so we can continue to provide help and hope to everyone living with dementia.”

The FA provided access to Wembley through its official charity partnership with the leading dementia charity, which has raised over £670,000 to date. As well as funding early diagnosis research, the partnership, now in its third year, will also increase awareness of dementia symptoms and encourage fans to take the first steps in seeking a diagnosis, so they can continue to enjoy the beautiful game.

For more information on how the IUAD campaign is bringing together leaders across insurance to help end the devastation caused by dementia, visit www.alzheimers.org.uk/iuad.