Iceland Foods has reached the £1m-mark in its charity of the year partnership with Alzheimer’s Research UK just eight months after launch.

The national food retailer, which has 750 stores nationwide, has raised the money via staff fundraising.  Employees undertook a variety of activities during a national charity week and chief executive Malcolm Walker scaled part of Mount Everest. Customers were also encouraged to donate in stores.

Walker said: “I am immensely proud of the inventiveness and commitment that Iceland’s people have shown in raising the amazing total of more than a million pounds for Alzheimer’s Research UK.

"This terrible disease has directly affected the families of so many of our staff and customers throughout the country, and they have responded magnificently to the challenge of raising funds to assist the search for a cure.”

Twenty-two thousand staff are employed by Iceland Foods.

Rebecca Wood, chief executive of Alzheimer’s Research UK, said described the partnership thus far as “a whirlwind”.

Nestle raises £350k for Alzheimer's Society 

Meanwhile, another Alzheimer's Disease charity has announced a boon from a corporate partner in the shape of Nestle UK and Ireland donating £350,000 to  Alzheimer's Society UK. The money was raised as part of a 'charity of the year' partnership the organisation had with the food manufacturer.