Record-Breaking Total For ITV’s Text Santa

Last Friday (19 December), ITV’s Text Santa raised the highest total ever at £5,503,065, as millions of viewers tuned in to an evening of entertainment.

In four years of fundraising, Text Santa has now raised over £20,500,000. The show raises money and awareness for six UK-based charities. This year’s chosen organisations are Alzheimer’s Society, Teenage Cancer Trust, Guide Dogs, WellChild, Marie Curie Cancer Care, and Together for Short Lives.

The Alzheimer’s Society charity video aired on the show featured Paul and Lynne from Cardiff. Lynne was diagnosed with dementia around two years ago. Alzheimer’s Society celebrity spokesperson Carey Mulligan visited the couple’s home to learn about the role Alzheimer’s Society and their Dementia Support Worker, Karen Collins has played in their lives.

Speaking about the money raised, Jeremy Hughes, Chief executive of Alzheimer’s Society said:

‘It’s fantastic to hear that we have beaten last year’s fundraising total and we would like to thank ITV viewers for their enormous generosity. By 2015, 850,000 people will be living with dementia in the UK, and the funds raised will be used to support our vital Dementia Support Worker service which is so crucial for people like Paul and Lynne who featured on the show.

‘Text Santa will enable even more people with dementia than we anticipated to receive essential one-to-one advice from our Dementia Support Workers. Funds raised will also go towards a new initiative to support younger people with dementia.’

Some of the highlights from the show included George Clooney appearing in a special sketch of Downton Abbey, performances by Olly Murs and X Factor winner Ben Haenow, and footage from Phillip Schofield’s climb inside the Spire of The Shard.

Last date for donations is 5pm on 9 January 2015.