OUR donate £1 for Dementia campaign is starting off 2016 with an appeal to Bolton businesses.

The appeal – launched on last June in partnership with Bolton NHS Charitable Fund – has been going from strength to strength as it aims to raise £200,000 to pay for dementia-friendly facilities at the Royal Bolton Hospital.

Strong support has been coming in from individuals and schools but fundraisers are now turning to local businesses to donate and help spread the word.

Andy Lee, charitable fundraiser, said that more than £15,000 had been raiseD through pound coin donations alone, but more support was welcomed.

He said: "What we are looking for from businesses is for them to get involved in the appeal through sponsorship of one of the events, or to hold their own fundraising for the appeal or to make a donation towards the campaign.

"The appeal has been fantastic, it has really struck a chord with the people of Bolton. The response has been amazing, people we have talked to while collecting have shared their stories of how dementia has affected their lives.

"We still need businesses to get involved and for them to think this is something they really want to back.

"Dementia is a condition that can strike anyone and at anytime, it's not just older people. We all need to work together to create dementia friendly environments, the hospital is part of that but in an ideal world we want a dementia friendly Bolton, and that involves everyone. We need businesses to help deliver this."

Families, schools, businesses and groups across Bolton are being urged to donate at least £1 to the appeal.

To donate to the campaign go to www.boltonft.nhs.uk/get-involved/charitable-giving/ or send a cheque, made out to Bolton NHS Charitable Fund, to Charitable Funds Department, Dowling House, Royal Bolton Hospital, Minerva Road, Bolton, BL4 0JR.

Businesses, schools or groups who want the giant £1 to visit their event should email andy.lee@boltonft.nhs.uk

For more information about Bolton NHS Charitable Fund go to boltonft.nhs.uk/get-involved/charitable-giving/, search Bolton NHS Charitable Fund on Facebook or follow @boltonnhsft on Twitter.