Dobbies Garden Centres has announced a year long partnership with Alzheimer’s Research UK.

The link up launches in March and will see the garden centre chain highlight the benefits of gardening for brain health at its centres and through customer and staff fundraising activity.

The charity was selected following a national appeal for a charitable partner by the firm.

“When we were looking for a new charity partner that would be the right fit for us, and resonate with our customers, Alzheimer’s Research UK stood out as an ideal choice,” said the firm’s chief executive David Robinson.

“As well as fundraising to help research into a cure for dementia, our aim through this partnership is to inspire people to keep their brains healthy.

“Gardening can really help this through stimulating both body and mind, and staying connected with other people is also very important.

“As we celebrate 160 years of helping British gardeners to grow, we’re really proud to be embarking on this important new partnership.”

Alzheimer’s Research UK chief executive Hilary Evans-Newton added: “Alzheimer’s Research UK is incredibly excited to join forces with Dobbies.

“Brains are like gardens, when well-tended and looked after, they can flourish. We’ll work together with Dobbies to inspire their community to protect their brain health through activities like gardening, while raising vital funds for a cure for dementia.

“If nothing changes, one in two of us will be directly affected by dementia – either by caring for someone with the condition, developing it ourselves, or both.”

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