A new campaign backed by the England netball team is raising funds and awareness for dementia research, thanks to the launch of a series of special-edition netballs.

The netballs, which have been given an orange makeover, are the result of a partnership involving dementia research charity Alzheimer’s Research UK and England Netball, supported by its commercial partners Jaffa and Gilbert Netball . The netballs are now available to buy and will see a 30% donation made to Alzheimer’s Research UK with each sale, in aid of the charity’s #ShareTheOrange campaign.

According to dementia charity, the numbers of people living with dementia is expected to increase from 50m to 150m in 30 years’ time. In the same period, they claim that the cost of dementia is going to nearly double from £25bn to £47bn.

Lucy Squance, Director at Alzheimer’s Research UK, said: “We hope this orange themed limited-edition netball will inspire people to learn more about dementia, while helping to fund the groundbreaking research that will transform the lives of everyone affected by the condition.”

The orange theme has been inspired by the statistic that a brain with dementia can weigh around 140g less than a healthy brain, which is about the weight of an orange.

Richard Gray CEO at Commercial Gilbert Netball said: “We are proud to be involved with such an innovative and exciting campaign – especially as we have had personal experience in dealing with Alzheimer’s in our own family for over 10 years now.”

To find out more or to purchase the netball, visit: gilbert-netball.com/products/alzheimers-research-uk-limited-edition-netball.