Football fever continues with Dyson’s annual ten-hour match for dementia research
11 July 2018
It’s not only going to be international football stars competing on the World Cup final weekend – as the highly competitive Dyson Football Marathon will be returning on Saturday to raise vital funds for Alzheimer’s Research UK.
Dyson Football Marathon
On July 14, the annual event will be back for its fifth year at a new venue, the Gerard Buxton Sports Ground, in Royal Wootton Bassett. The day will see six teams of Dyson people competing against each other over ten hours, in the hope of claiming the sought-after winner’s trophy – which has been created out of Dyson parts.
As well as ten hours of back-to-back football, there will be 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.
Over the past four years, the Dyson Football Marathon – organised by Dyson’s Andrew Clifton – has raised more than £30,000 for Alzheimer’s Research UK. Each player gets sponsorship for their efforts and this is then matched by the James Dyson Foundation. It’s hoped the total amount raised will surpass £40,000 after Saturday’s match.
Organiser Andrew Clifton with colleague Philip Johnson
Dyson has been supporting the UK’s leading dementia research charity since 2015. Money raised by the Malmesbury-based technology company is helping Alzheimer’s Research UK to fund pioneering dementia research. With 850,000 people in the UK living with dementia, the charity is working relentlessly to bring about the first life-changing treatments for the condition.
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. We’ve got more people playing than ever before and a whole new venue, so family and friends can come along to support us. 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.”
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
If you’d like to go along to cheer the players on, the Dyson Football Marathon will be taking place from 9am until 7pm on Saturday 14 July at Gerard Buxton Sports Ground, in Royal Wootton Bassett.