VSA, the North-east’s leading social care charity, is delighted to announce the success of its recent fundraising dinner, where Sir Alex Ferguson, CBE, joined guests to help raise vital funds for the charity’s dementia services.
The event, held earlier this week at the Marcliffe Hotel, brought together supporters, local businesses, and community leaders for an inspiring evening dedicated to improving the lives of people living with dementia. The dinner was kindly supported and helped to be arranged by VSA’s Honorary President, Fiona Kennedy, whose longstanding commitment to the charity played a key role in the evening’s success. Sir Alex’s attendance was met with huge enthusiasm, and his support significantly contributed to the funds raised on the night.
Sir Alex Ferguson said: “I was delighted to attend the VSA fundraising dinner. Dementia has a profound impact on so many lives and the commitment of the VSA team to providing high-quality care is clear to see. It was a pleasure to be involved in an evening that highlights the importance of this work.”
Left to right: Antony Ritchie, Digital Marketing Executive, VSA; Sir Alex Ferguson; Fiona Kennedy; Greig Slatter, Business Development Manager, VSA. Image credit: Graham Read, PhotoGFX Media Limited
Honorary President of VSA, Fiona Kennedy, said: “I cannot thank Sir Alex enough for his support of VSA and for shining a light on the challenges of dementia sufferers and their families, which he understands only too well. VSA have always given the best of care to their residents, and I applaud the kindness, care and expertise of the staff who workday in day out in VSA’s residential homes. They are committed and wonderful.
"It was a real privilege to help arrange a lovely dinner at The Marcliffe Hotel with some great conversation and fine dining. Sir Alex regaled some marvellous football stories from his amazing career in football. We also had some lovely music and songs - maestro of the fiddle, Paul Anderson played a great tune which he’d written specially for Sir Alex and Nils Elders and myself wrote a new song for the great man called ‘Harmony Row’ which we sang to Sir Alex and the guests. Fair to say it was quite emotional.
"I’m tremendously grateful to everyone who attended this special dinner in support of VSA helping to raise much needed funds for dementia services.”
Funds raised during the event will directly support VSA’s specialist dementia services, including residential care, community outreach, early-stage support, and vital programmes for family carers. As demand for dementia support continues to grow, the charity remains committed to ensuring people receive high-quality, person-centred care at every stage of their journey.
Andrea Jones, Interim CEO at VSA, said: “We are incredibly grateful to Sir Alex Ferguson for joining us and giving his time to support our work, and to our Honorary President, Fiona Kennedy, for her support in helping bring the evening together. Their involvement made the event truly memorable and helped shine a spotlight on the importance of dementia care across the North-east. The funds raised will make a real and lasting difference to the individuals and families who rely on our services.”
VSA has been supporting vulnerable people and communities for more than 150 years, offering a wide range of care services across mental health, learning disabilities, and care of the elderly. The charity continues to innovate and adapt its services to meet the changing needs of those living with dementia.
Businesses or individuals who wish to support VSA’s dementia services can contact the fundraising team at fundraising@vsa.org.uk for further information.