FOOTBALL fanatics from Dyson raised more than £11,500 for the country’s leading dementia research charity by taking part in a grueling eight-hour football tournament.

During the challenge, which took part at Cirencester Arena at the weekend, 48 players took part in back-to-back football games organised by Dyson’s Andrew Clifton and Philip Johnson.

This year, four teams battled it out to take home the winner’s trophy, made out of Dyson parts, with the competition finally being won by The Bag-less Boys.

Mr Clifton said: “Lots of Dyson employees have had loved ones affected by dementia, which is a real driver for us in supporting Alzheimer’s Research UK. We’ve previously raised thousands for Dyson’s chosen charities with this event, but this year we managed to smash all our records. It was an absolutely incredible effort from the players, and we’re delighted to have raised so much.”

Since 2014, the event has become an annual fixture in Dyson’s fundraising calendar and has now raised more than £30,000 for charities.

Vicky Naylor, corporate fundraising officer at Alzheimer’s Research UK, said: “It’s wonderful to see Dyson people supporting Alzheimer’s Research UK. The football marathon is a grueling challenge and We couldn’t be more grateful to everyone who took part.The money raised will be able to help provide crucial resources and equipment for our scientists, bringing new treatments and preventions a step closer.”

For more information about the challenge and to donate visit www.justgiving.com/teams/dysonfootymarathon2016.