Dobbies Garden Centres has announced the success of the first year of its national charity partnership with Alzheimer’s Research UK, having raised £235,000 – more than triple the original fundraising target.

Launched in March 2025, the charity was chosen for its strong resonance with Dobbies’ communities, customers and colleagues. The partnership also supports Alzheimer’s Research UK’s Think Brain Health campaign, highlighting the benefits of gardening and garden living for brain health.

Alzheimer’s Research UK is the UK’s leading dementia research charity, dedicated to ending the heartbreak of dementia by speeding up progress towards a cure.

David Robinson, Chief Executive Officer of Dobbies, said: “I’m incredibly proud of what our colleagues and customers have achieved in our first year partnering with Alzheimer’s Research UK. Surpassing our original fundraising target shows just how strongly this cause resonates with our communities.

“Together, that support could fund over 5,500 hours of vital dementia research, and we’re looking forward to building on this even further in our second year of partnership.”

Dr Sheona Scales, Director of Research at Alzheimer’s Research UK, added: “Almost one million people are living with dementia in the UK, and this number is predicted to reach 1.4 million by 2040. Alzheimer’s Research UK exists to change that. It is more urgent than ever that we revolutionise the way dementia is treated, diagnosed and prevented.

“We are incredibly proud to work with Dobbies. This partnership is helping us share the message of brain health while raising vital funds to help end the heartbreak of dementia.”

Dobbies customers and colleagues raised the £235,000 through a range of initiatives, including an exclusive bulb pack developed in partnership with Taylors Bulbs, a dedicated Christmas Shopping Night, online event donations, and colleague fundraising challenges including marathons. 

During World Alzheimer’s Month in September, Dobbies also launched a nationwide programme in partnership with micro-donation charity, Pennies. This enables customers to choose to give a 25p donation when paying by card at the garden centre tills – which has so far raised over £69,000 in donations.

This year will see a series of new fundraising initiatives including sponsorship of Edinburgh’s Walk for a Cure, donations from special plant purchases, as well as in-store events and colleague challenges.