A rugby player has organised a game of his favourite sport to raise money for an Alzheimer's charity.

20-year-old Ben Northfield organised the match in memory of his grandparents – his grandad’s last memories before he died with dementia were watching his grandson in a game of rugby at college.

Their close relationship inspired Ben to host his first charity match last year in aid of Alzheimer’s Society, raising £1,500.

Following its success, Ben has decided to make it an annual occurrence and is aiming to double the number of participants this year.

Ben said: “My grandad was my biggest fan and he use to watch games when my dad played. This is why I chose to have a theme of fathers and sons playing together.

“Grandad was a very proud man and always provided for his family. In the nine years my Nan had Alzheimer’s disease, six of those were under the direct care of my grandad.

"They eventually spent their latter days together in a care home in Brentwood and died within eight months of each other.

“Alzheimer’s Society seems the perfect charity to support in memory of my grandparents and I hope this year’s game doubles last year’s fundraising total.”

The match will take place at Thurrock Rugby Club, Essex, on Friday 9 March, kick-off at 7pm.

In addition to the game there will be half time entertainment with a live singer, a photo booth, raffle, food and refreshments and much more.

Ben, who is a semi-professional player at Thurrock Rugby Club, added: “I am very pleased it has all come together again and the support this year has been even better. People and businesses locally have really got behind it.

“We already have 52 fathers and sons ready to play together on the day. It will be a rolling substitute process to make sure everyone gets involved.

“I have already thought about taking this event one step further and turning it into a charity tournament, it’s down to the huge interest I have had.”

There are more than 20,000 people living with dementia in Essex, with too many facing the condition alone.

Mussara Gray, Alzheimer’s Society Community Fundraiser in Essex, said: “We are delighted that Ben is hosting this event again. He is so passionate about rugby and his admiration for his grandparents is very humbling.

“Alzheimer’s Society is urging everyone to come together and unite against dementia. Every pound from the rugby match will help provide information and support, improve care, fund research and create lasting change for people affected by dementia.”

Anyone unable to attend the rugby match but would like to show their support or help raise money for Alzheimer’s Society, can donate on Ben’s Just Giving page, visit www.justgiving.com/fundraising/father-and-sons

To find out more about how you can unite against dementia, visit alzheimers.org.uk/getinvolved