TEAMS from the Dyson headquarters in Malmesbury took part in an eight-hour football marathon to tackle Alzheimer’s recently.

Now an annual fixture at the firm, the event was well-supported by staff and was one of a series of events organised by Dyson in aid of Alzheimer’s Research UK, the firm’s chosen charity.

This year four teams competed to claim the winner’s trophy – engineered from Dyson parts – with each player aiming to raise at least £60 in sponsorship, every pound of which was match-funded with a donation from the James Dyson Foundation.

The teams smashed their £10,000 fundraising target for pioneering dementia research before the first ball had even been kicked on Saturday (16).

The event, which has now raised more than £25,000 for charity since its inaugural outing in 2014, was organised by Dyson staff members Andrew Clifton and Philip Johnson.

Andrew said: “The football marathon is always a big event for us but this year it’s gone truly global with our colleagues in Malaysia, who also host a charity football match, helping to source the football shirts.

“This event is great for bringing us all together, as we have people from all parts of the company, from our call centre to our research and development team, taking part.

“Lots of Dyson people have been affected by dementia, which is a real driver for us in supporting Alzheimer’s Research UK.”

Philip added: “We’ve had brilliant support from everyone, not least from the James Dyson Foundation but also from the people and companies who’ve provided us with everything we need for the day, down to much-needed snacks to help fuel our players.”

Vicky Naylor, corporate fundraising officer at Alzheimer’s Research UK, said it was “wonderful” to see Dyson supporting the charity.

“The football marathon is a gruelling challenge and we’re hugely grateful to everyone taking part,” she said.

“The money raised from the event will be able to help provide crucial resources and equipment for our scientists, bringing new treatments and preventions a step closer.

“With 850,000 people living with dementia in the UK including nearly 7,000 in Wiltshire alone, we urgently need better ways to fight the condition.

“We rely on public donations to be able to fund our research, and it’s thanks to the support of people like the team at Dyson that we can continue our work.”

To donate to the team, visit justgiving.com/teams/dysonfootymarathon2016 or text DYSN49 and the amount (example DYSN49 £5) to 70070.

To learn more about Alzheimer’s Research UK’s work, visit alzheimersresearchuk.org or call 0300 111 5555.