May 6 2025
‘Project Hope’ is an exclusive partnership between PIB Group and Alzheimer’s Society, with backing from the PIB Community Trust. PIB Group is on a mission to meet a £1m fundraising target to support ground-breaking research into dementia and associated diseases of the brain.
Discover more about the project in this interview the Trustee of PIB’s Community Trust, Nigel Salisbury.
What is Project Hope?
It is an initiative of the PIB Community Trust, which provides fundraising support for Alzheimer’s Society through Project Hope. The project launched last year with the aim of raising £550k to pay the cost of a five year research fellowship at Dundee University.
This vital piece of research led by Dr Chris Henstridge is looking at how the build-up of a specific protein may lead to the breakdown of connections between brain cells in diseases which cause, and are closely linked to dementia, like Alzheimer’s and Motor Neurone Disease.
Why is the research so important?
The shocking truth is that dementia is the biggest killer in the UK today and many of us will have family or friends amongst the million or more sufferers in the UK living with the devastating effects of this cruel disease.
And of course, it is global in its reach and overwhelming in its impact - on those living with it, those caring for them, and the healthcare systems trying to support them. That’s why the insurance industry has contributed over £10million to the cause over recent years.
How does Project Hope play a part in this?
More than £500k has been raised and committed by PIB so far, which puts us amongst the largest contributors to the industry-wide movement ‘Insurance United Against Dementia (IUAD). We are also helping change the landscape of dementia and other brain diseases for millions.
Today is a truly hopeful time in the world of dementia research as scientists around the world become increasingly confident of identifying the causes of dementia and make progress in its early detection, and in the development of drugs to slow the effects, and even to prevent the disease in the first place.
What is the amount raised so far for Project Hope?
So far, with commitments from the Trust, PIB’s executive team, investors and business partners we are already approaching 95% of our initial £550k target. However, we like to aim high at PIB and smash targets which is we have been challenged to raise our target to £1m!
This we hope to achieve within the timescale of the existing research project which is due to conclude in a little over three years’ time. Achieving £1million is no mean feat but it will enable us to fund Dr Henstridge’s fellowship in its entirety. It will also enable us to contribute towards the care of individual sufferers, bringing both help and hope to the widest extent we can with the funds we raise.
How are PIB colleagues able to help meet the £1m target?
To help us achieve our new stretch target we are extending our appeal across the company https://www.justgiving.com/team/pibgroup . We are introducing a range of activities that we hope will encourage colleagues to get involved. Friends and family and colleagues are all very welcome to join in and help us meet the challenge while having fun at the same time.
So whether it’s getting active through walking, trekking, running or sharing your hidden talents for some light entertainment, there will be something for everyone.
Every penny counts and donations of all sizes are hugely appreciated – both by PIB and by our friends at Alzheimer’s Society. To add further encouragement the PIB Trust will be offering match funding up to a total limit of £50k in 2025 towards the fundraising efforts of colleagues across the PIB Group.
Are you getting involved in a challenge?
Yes – my wife and I are taking part in Trek 26 at Stonehenge on 10 May. Similar events are being organised by Alzheimer's Society across the country. Click here to see if there’s going to be one near you, and do please help us bring help and hope to those living with this cruel disease.
To understand more about the PIB Community Trust, visit https://www.pibgroup.co.uk/pib-community-trust or visit PIB’s JustGiving donation page here https://www.justgiving.com/team/pibgroup .
For more information about Project Hope, contact nigel.salisbury@pib-insurance.com or andy.tedstone@cobranetwork.co.uk