TEAMS from engineering firm Dyson will be getting their kit on, lacing-up their boots and preparing for some serious extra time during an eight hour soccer marathon on Saturday (Nov 21).

There are likely to be no shortage of sweepers among the 40 Dyson players whose efforts throughout the day at Cirencester Arena will help tackle dementia.

The strength-sapping tournament, which will see four teams compete against each other, is one of a number of events that are being organised after Alzheimer’s Research UK became the Malmesbury based company’s latest chosen charity.

Every £1 raised will be matched with a donation from the James Dyson Foundation, the firm’s charitable arm.

Advance sponsorship has already ensured that more than £4,000 will boost pioneering dementia research after Dyson workers Andrew Clifton and Philip Johnson organised the colossal kick-about.

Mr Clifton said: “We’ve previously raised thousands for Dyson’s chosen charities and want to continue that for Alzheimer’s Research UK.

“The football marathon involves Dyson people from across the company and is a great way to support the charity. This year’s challenge is likely to exceed last year’s total of £10,000.”

He went on: “The support for the event has been fantastic, from the James Dyson Foundation with match funding, to Head Chef, Joe, who will be providing our fuel for the marathon.

“Sadly lots of Dyson people have been affected by dementia; this is a real driver for us. We’ll be playing to win, but most importantly, the football marathon is about doing what we can to support Alzheimer’s Research UK.”

The charity’s corporate fundraising officer Vicky Naylor said: “It’s wonderful to see Dyson staff supporting Alzheimer’s Research UK.

“We couldn’t be more grateful to them for taking on this challenge and we’ll be wishing them luck on the day.

“The money raised will be able to help provide crucial resources for our scientists, bringing new treatments, improved diagnosis and preventions for dementia ever closer.”