Staff and customers of Bradford-based Yorkshire Building Society and associated businesses have raised a record £175,000 for the Alzheimer’s Society, the Society’s adopted charity for 2011.

The money is the highest amount raised by fundraising in the society’s history.

Throughout 2011 Yorkshire, Barnsley and Chelsea society staff and members pledged to raise money and staff across the country took part in a range of fundraising activities including raffles, sponsored runs and cycle rides, book sales, sponsored leg waxing and bungee jumps.

Former YBS chief executive Iain Cornish, who left at the end of 2011, completed a 170-mile sponsored cycle ride between the Bradford head office and the Chelsea Building Society’s office in Cheltenham.

He raised more than £11,000, which was the highest amount raised by an individual throughout the year.

Staff and members raised £85,469, with the Yorkshire Building Society Charitable Foundation matching the money raised.

Chris Parrish, a trustee of the Charitable Foundation, said: “I am absolutely delighted with the amount staff have raised for our charity of the year.

“I am extremely proud of the effort and dedication they have shown in raising the largest amount ever in the Society’s history.

“We couldn’t have raised this fantastic amount without the help and support of our customers in purchasing raffle tickets and sponsoring members of staff, so I’d like to take this opportunity to thank them as well.”

The donation will fund a new support programme for carers, providing information and advice, such as signposting them to services and benefits.