David Van Day flies in for charity event

I’m a Celebrity: Get Me out of Here! star David Van Day swapped jungle bugs and snakes for mugs and cakes last week to raise vital funds and awareness for people with dementia and their carers. The event marked the official launch of the easyJet and Alzheimer’s Society charity partnership.

In his toughest challenge yet, David donned a chef’s apron, hat and teapot to serve tea to thirsty easyJet cabin crew and staff in support of Alzheimer’s Society. easyJet chose Alzheimer’s Society as its charity of the year after a vote by 7,000 members of staff across Europe and hopes to raise £300,000 in one year.

David Van Day said,

“It’s fantastic that staff have voted for Alzheimer’s Society to be their charity of the year. It is a cause that is so close to my heart as my mother has the disease.

“One in three people over the age of 65 will die with dementia. It is also extremely sad for families who see their loved ones go through the traumatic experience of the condition. I hope this partnership raises enormous amounts of vital money and awareness.”

Andy Harrison, chief executive of, easyJet commented,

“David Van Day donning a chef’s outfit, serving tea out of a giant tea pot and a homemade cake sale; not your ordinary day in the office! But today was a fantastic start to a very important partnership. Dementia is a devastating condition that affects millions of families.

“Today is just the beginning. Over the next year easyJet staff across Europe will be helping Alzheimer’s Society care for people today and find a cure for tomorrow.”

Neil Hunt, chief executive of Alzheimer’s Society said,

“It’s been a wonderful Day for people with dementia and their carers. easyJet staff came out trumps by baking cakes and taking tea, raising vital funds and awareness.

“We are hugely grateful to easyJet staff and David Van Day. Dementia is not a natural part of ageing; it is caused by diseases of the brain and has a massive impact on people’s lives.”

Alzheimer’s Society received 10p from every cup of tea sold. The charity will also receive donations from in-flight collections over the summer and will also be granted a percentage of proceeds from the sale of scratchcards sold on board.