A good year

2012 might not be over yet but I can already say with certainty that it has been a good year for BRACE.

With the charity sector shivering in the cold winds that are blowing through the world’s economy, most charities are pleased not to be among those that have to report falling income and cutbacks. BRACE has managed an increase in both donations and income from fundraising activities.

This has come at a time when the demand for research funding seems to be increasing. It’s encouraging that the field of dementia research is more crowded than it once was and that new proposals are coming forward all the time. However, this is only a good thing if new ideas can be matched with new funding. During 2012, our Trustees have committed almost £800,000 more to research initiatives. There is no doubt that we shall be asked for a lot more in 2013 and beyond as the search for dementia treatment becomes ever more urgent.

This is not easily achieved in an economic downturn, and we are working harder, longer and more imaginatively to carve out these successes. We are indebted, as always, to the various volunteers and sponsored runners or riders who do so much, but we are increasingly helped by businesses and community groups who raise funds for us.



Fundraising for BRACE. Fishponds GPs raised £'00s and gave us our favourite photo of 2012

The single best way you could help us in 2013 or beyond would be to ask your employer, school, faith group, club etc. to think about BRACE as its next adopted charity.

Oh, and while I think of it, we’re on the ballot for a donation from a company in London. If you read this before New Year, there should still be time to vote for us. All you need to do is go to the web page and click next to our name. Thank you!