Tesco and Diabetes UK have announced the retailer’s colleagues, suppliers and customers raised £18.6m for the charity from March 2013 to December 2014.

It is the most ever raised through a Tesco charity partnership in the UK. The funds raised will go towards research, education and awareness programmes to make life better for people with diabetes and reach those at risk of developing Type 2 diabetes.

The funds have been invested in Diabetes UK’s biggest ever research programme into developing a vaccine for Type 1 diabetes, the charity’s largest ever advertising campaign encouraging people to check their risk of Type 2 diabetes, and distributing a million information leaflets and booklets about diabetes in Tesco stores.

It has also provided for more than 300,000 Enjoy Food information packs and extending the opening hours of Diabetes UK’s Careline.

Funds were raised through Tesco staff taking on challenges and staging fundraising events in stores, distribution centres and offices around the UK. Suppliers supported the partnership through promotions, and customers also supported the partnership.

Diabetes UK director of fundraising Paul Amadi said the “incredible achievement” was well beyond the charity’s expectations.

“This is a real testament to Tesco colleagues’, customers’ and suppliers’ enthusiasm and dedication to fundraising for Diabetes UK,” Amadi said. “The partnership will also leave a lasting legacy, as the funds raised will continue to offer support across the UK for months and years to come, not to mention fund vital research that could transform people’s lives.”

Tecso corporate responsibility director Josh Hardie thanked Tesco colleagues and customers for their efforts.

“Our partnership with Diabetes UK has been our most successful charity partnership ever, and the money raised will make a huge difference to millions of people living with diabetes as well as many more who are at risk of developing it.”

Funds raised will support ongoing programmes, such as activity weekends for young people with Type 1 diabetes and Living with Diabetes Days – nationwide events to help give people with Type 2 diabetes information about how they can manage their condition well.

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