Dyson’s ten-hour match continues the football fever for dementia research

The competitive Dyson Football Marathon will be returning to help raise vital funds for Alzheimer’s Research UK.

The annual event is back for the fifth time on the July 14 at a new venue, the Gerard Buxton Sports Ground, in Royal Wootton Bassett, it is from 9am-7pm.

Six teams of Dyson people will be competing to win the trophy which has been created out of Dyson parts.

There will be ten hours of back-to-back football as well as lots taking place to keep family and friends entertained as they cheer on the players. Activities include a bouncy castle, live music, an appearance from a Royal Wootton Bassett fire truck and a Back to the Future DeLorean, along with plenty to eat and drink.

Dyson’s Andrew Clifton, who organises the football marathon, has raised more than £30,000 over the past 4 years for Alzheimer’s Research UK.

Andrew Clifton, who was recognised with a Pride of Swindon award this year for the Dyson Football Marathon and other charitable commitments, said:“I’m really excited for this year’s event, it’s going to be the biggest one yet. When I think about the event and how it’s grown over the five years, it does make me feel proud of what we’ve achieved. I’m feeling hopeful that after Saturday, we would have raised more than £40,000 for Alzheimer's Research UK, which would be fantastic because it is such an important cause. Many people at Dyson and in our community know somebody impacted by dementia, so we must do everything we can to find a cure.”

The James Dyson Foundation is set to match every penny raised by individiual players through sponsorship and it is hoped £40,000 will be raised after Saturday's match.

Dyson has been supporting the UK’s dementia research charity since 2015. Money raised by the Malmesbury-based technology company is helping Alzheimer's Research UK to fund dementia research.

Vicky Lake, corporate partnerships manager at Alzheimer's Research UK, said:

“It’s incredible to think that the Dyson Football Marathon is back for the fifth year. We’ve been so honoured to be part of this brilliant event over the past four years and have loved watching it grow. It is always such a great day – filled with excitement and exhaustion! But the efforts of all those involved, from the organisers to the players, definitely pays off. The money raised through the Dyson Football Marathon alone is making a huge difference in our search for a cure for dementia and we’re so grateful for the support we receive. Good luck to everyone on the day!”

To donate to the team, you can either text DYFM50 and the amount (example DYFM50 £5) to 70070, or visit https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/dysonfootbalmarathon2018