A bakery founder has marked his 90th birthday by fundraising for a dementia charity.
George Ross, founder of JG Ross Bakers, presented cheques to the value of £11,931 to Alzheimer Scotland.
George Ross presented the donations to Alzheimer Scotland representatives.
The Daviot-born businessman – known to many in the north-east as JG – raised the amount by throwing a birthday bash for family and friends where he asked for charity donations instead of gifts. The celebration raised £800.
That amount was then combined with the proceeds of his autobiographies – An Unlikely Lad and We Knead the Dough – which added another £11,131.82 to the total.
George worked as a bakery manager in Braemar before founding JG Ross Bakers in 1962 in the village of Auchleven then relocating 11 years later to Port Elphinstone, Inverurie.
He grew the business from a small village shop into one of Scotland’s best known family bakery businesses – producing 190,000 butteries every week.
George officially retired in 2007 – as the company celebrated the opening of a £4.2 million craft bakery at Highclere in Inverurie.
George Ross presented the donations to Alzheimer Scotland representatives.
He has been a dedicated supporter of charities throughout his life, as a member of Inverurie Rotary Club and other local organisations.
George said: “So many people are affected by dementia, including friends and colleagues of mine, and I’ve seen what a huge impact this condition can have on entire families.
“As people live longer, the number of people diagnosed with dementia is only going to rise.
“As I’ve reached a big milestone in my life, I thought this would be an ideal time to support the vital work of Alzheimer Scotland.
“They help so many families living with dementia right across Scotland, and also invest in research to help find new treatments and potential cures to fight this devastating disease.”
Kirsty Stewart, Alzheimer Scotland’s director of fundraising and operations, said: “We are very grateful to Mr Ross for such a generous donation.
“Every pound raised helps Alzheimer Scotland continue to support our vital network of dementia advisors, resource centres and our 24-hour freephone Dementia Helpline (0808 808 3000). Thank you.”
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