Race Against Dementia

Today, more than 50 million people across the globe suffer from dementia. Every 3 seconds, another person develops the disease. Unless a cure is found, one in three people born today will get dementia in their lifetime.

Optical Express actively supports Race Against Dementia, which raises money to fund breakthrough and innovative dementia research. This charity was founded by Formula 1 racing legend Sir Jackie Stewart OBE. He is being backed in his mission by a host of racing talent including ex-Formula 1 star David Coulthard MBE, IndyCar Legend Dario Franchitti MBE, and F1 world champion, Damon Hill OBE.

Optical Express has shown its support of Race Against Dementia’s crucial work through a series of innovative fundraising events, with more planned for the future.

In the summer of 2019, the company sponsored a series of 2-hour endurance races held at Larkhall Circuit, with 100% of all proceeds going to Race Against Dementia's pioneering Fellowship programme. This programme actively seeks out early-career scientists with innovative research proposals and supports new approaches to better understanding the prevention and treatment of the diseases underlying dementia.

That was followed by a Race Against Dementia Gala Dinner, which was sponsored and hosted by Optical Express. A celebration of the lifetime achievements of Sir Jackie and his wife Lady Helen, who were the guests of honour, it was attended by 180 prestigious guests including Scotland’s First Minister, Nicola Sturgeon.

The event was a great success. Thanks to the generosity of the guests who attended and donated to Race Against Dementia via table sponsorships, auctions and a raffle, tens of thousands of pounds were raised for the charity.

Dementia represents a huge health challenge. Optical Express will continue to support Race Against Dementia as it works with scientific talent from around the world in the search for a treatment or cure.