Health insurer marks anniversary with record donation

Date: 18/08/2006

A number of UK charities are to receive a significant windfall as part of a record-breaking donation from leading health insurer Medicash.

The Alzheimer’s Society, the Down’s Syndrome Association and the Samaritans are amongst those charities that will each receive a share of the £270,000 donation from the not-for-dividend organisation as part of its 135th Anniversary celebrations.

The company enjoys a long history of supporting charitable causes, contributing almost £77.4 million to the NHS and related charities since it was founded in 1871*, however the amount of £270,000 represents the largest ever single award.

Forming the centrepiece of the organisation’s 135th anniversary celebrations a total of 18 charities from across the UK will be honoured at a gala evening in Liverpool, on Thursday 28 September, hosted by the BBC’s Alan Hansen.

Medicash Chief Executive Bill Gaywood said: "Medicash was founded 135 years ago to help the people of Liverpool meet their healthcare costs. Since then it has played a pivotal role in the support of affordable healthcare and charitable causes all over the UK."

"Now in this special anniversary year we feel it is absolutely the right time to mark it with the donation of our largest single award. A number of very special charities are set to receive funding and each has been chosen because of a steadfast commitment to improving the lives of others and a tireless effort to make a real difference".

Medicash was originally founded as the Liverpool Hospital Saturday and Sunday Funds, and later as the Penny in the Pound fund. Members gave a penny out of every pound they earned with the payments ensured they could be treated at the voluntary hospital.

The scheme has grown but remains a not-for-dividend organisation and is now known as Medicash Health Benefits Limited.

As one of the five largest companies of its kind in Britain, Medicash now provides health insurance services to over 150,000 members across the UK.

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