For their 50th wedding anniversary, this couple asked for one gift: Donations to their local dementia charity

A couple holds a large check with a leader of Alzheimer Scotland

Marion and Sandy Ironside of Gamrie, Scotland celebrated 50 years happily married in October 2024, boogeying with their family members in the same venue they wed decades prior.

But it wasn’t just a party to mark this significant milestone; the pair decided to turn it into a charitable event.

In lieu of gifts, the Ironsides asked their family and friends to donate to Alzheimer Scotland, a dementia support organization with Dementia Resource Centers in 25 locations across Scotland. 

A couple holds a large check with a leader of Alzheimer Scotland
Laura Crockatt with Marion and Sandy Ironside. Photo courtesy of Alzheimer Scotland

With about 75 guests, they raised a total of £1,005 for the organization — which was unveiled with a large, ceremonial check.

“It was an amazing night, and it was made even better when we realized how much we had raised,” the couple told Grampian Online

“We are grateful to everyone who came and donated on the night and for helping us celebrate our 50 years together.”

Laura Crockatt, Alzheimer Scotland’s local dementia advisor for north Aberdeenshire, collected the donation. 

“What a massive amount to have raised, so generous and very much needed,” Crockatt told Grampian Online. “Thank you Marion, Sandy, and to all who donated.”

You may also like: After his wife died, he raised $1M to honor her dying wish: Clearing the medical debt of strangers

A version of this article was originally published in The 2025 Relationships Edition of the Goodnewspaper.

Header image courtesy of Alzheimer Scotland

Article Details

December 30, 2025 1:45 PM
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