Cheltenham-based technology company IRESS is supporting medical charity Cobalt with a year-long partnership including volunteering and a variety of fundraising activities.

The global company employs just under 700 people in the UK, of which over 250 are based in Cheltenham. IRESS supplies technology solutions for clients across the financial services market.

This partnership has been enabled by the IRESS Foundation, a global initiative launched in March 2017 to actively support those less fortunate by supporting regional community initiatives with volunteering and fundraising.

The support provided by IRESS will go towards Cobalt's Dementia Futures Fund, which will improve the way we diagnose and treat dementia. The Fund will support two research nurses and scans that not only enable the early diagnosis of the disease but also the treatment and wellbeing of local dementia patients.

Emma Mortiboy, Cobalt projects and partnerships officer, said "We're delighted IRESS has chosen to support us. Its people have done so much for us already including helping us with our Big Sort, baking cakes and helping to staff our open garden events and skills sharing through a lunch and learn session."

Ros Cooke, UK Head of HR, IRESS said "We are excited to be working closely with Cobalt as part of the IRESS Foundation and through the participation of our people in a variety of activities. We have already started fundraising and volunteering and we are looking forward to seeing the enthusiasm and commitment of our people in Cheltenham really help Cobalt make a difference over the course of the year."

Cobalt, based in Cheltenham provides diagnostic imaging for over 65,000 people a year, including patients affected by cancer, dementia and other conditions. The scans are often a vital first step enabling doctors to make an initial diagnosis and treatment plan. Imaging can also be used in some cases after diagnosis to monitor the effectiveness of treatments.

Pictured: IRESS employees, left to right: Florena Evans, Andy Scott, Lorraine Wood, Stephanie Chatburn, Jessica Hughes, Jacqueline Boxall, Hollie Dinwoodie, Kate Atkinson. Barry Brown and Laura Rawlinson.