Age UK announces three new fundraising appointments

Age UK announces three new appointments to head up its Group Fundraising Division

Age UK, the new force combining Age Concern and Help the Aged, has strengthened its Group Fundraising Division with the appointment of three senior managers.

Matt Goody, who previously held the position of Head of Direct Marketing for Shelter, has been appointed as Head of Individual Marketing at Age UK. He is joined by Laurie Boult, who was previously Head of Fundraising at Ovarian Cancer Action and is now taking on the role as Head of Fundraising Partnerships at Age UK. Since leaving the NSPCC as Deputy Director of Major Gifts, Helen Pert has worked as a consultant and interim specialist most recently with the World Wildlife Fund, the Royal National Institute for the Deaf and The Children's Society, and now joins Age UK as Head of Grants and Philanthropy.

Paul Farthing, Director of Fundraising at Age UK, said: 'Following the merger of Age Concern and Help the Aged, it's crucial that we have the strongest possible team to fulfil Age UK's mission to improve the quality of later life for everyone.

'Matt, Laurie and Helen bring with them a wealth of experience, with their previous roles spanning a range of disciplines within the charity sector, as well as extensive experience in fundraising and marketing. Their expertise will be a vital asset as we build on the momentum following the launch of Age UK at what is a very exciting time for us.'

Age UK has a turnover of more than £150 million. In addition to campaigning and influencing‚ its work includes providing information and advice to over 5 million people‚ commercial services for over 1.1 million customers and more than 15 million customer transactions through over 500 retail shops. Internationally‚ it supports a global network for older people in more than 70 countries and funds pioneering research into all aspects of ageing.

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Notes for editors

1. For more information, please call Lizzie Webster in the Help the Aged Media Team on 0208 765 7516 or email lizzie.webster@helptheaged.org.uk 
2. Age UK is the new force combining Age Concern and Help the Aged. The Age UK family includes Age Scotland, Age Cymru and Age NI. 
3. Age UK is inspired by the belief that it can improve the lives of people in later life. It celebrates ageing and believes it presents unprecedented opportunities and challenges at home and abroad. Age UK will challenge ageist prejudice in society, provide services that address market failures and support the public and private sectors to design age-friendly products and services. It will support people to remain in their own homes through campaigning and practical services and its Information and Advice service will offer millions of people support on a range of issues from claiming benefits to staying fit and healthy. 
4. Age UK will fund biomedical research that helps tackle the ill health and poor quality of life that are too common as people age. Working with over 350 partners across the country, Age UK helps influence local decisions and delivers the most appropriate services. Its network of over 500 shops will act as a focal point for the local community, providing information and help with local services. Age UK works across the globe as well as in the UK, with its international partner, Help Age International, championing older people's rights and needs and as an active member of the DEC.

Media contact: Lizzie Webster
Telephone: 0208 765 7516
Out of hours: 07071 243 243