A footballing tribute to a tireless campaigner from Petersfield has netted £1,500 for a charity close to his heart.

Jeff Williams was in everyone’s thoughts when Petersfield Town FC hosted its first Dementia Walking Football Tournament.

The fundraiser was held in memory of the Dementia Friendly Champion and Royal British Legion stalwart who died last April.

It also increased awareness of the disease and raised money for the Dementia Friendly Petersfield (DFP) group which he staunchly supported.

Teams battled it out for the Jeff Williams trophy during the event organised by Right at Home Care, DFP, Petersfield Town FC and Jonno Ratcliffe from Active8.

Duncan Cameron, owner of Right at Home care and co-founder of the Dementia Walking Football Group, called the event a fitting tribute to Jeff’s legacy.

He said: “It’s an honour to support our local community by providing specialist dementia care services, as well as community events like this to raise money and awareness.”

Petersfield mayor, Cllr JC Crissey, hailed the “amazing success” of the event and handed over a £1,000 cheque as DFP has been one of his chosen charities. Damian Hinds MP called the tournament a “huge highlight” and was honoured to present the trophy to the winners from Winchester.

He said: “I learned a lot from Jeff over the years about the service, community and the importance of giving something back, and the tournament embodied all of these qualities. His will be a lasting legacy.”

For more information about dementia friendly groups in the Petersfield area visit https://www.facebook.com/dementiafriendlypetersfield or contact Audrey Morton on 07966 759929.

For details about Right at Home’s dementia care visit www.rightathome.co.uk/havant or call 01730 719719.

Petersfield Dementia Walking Football Group meets at 11am on the second and fourth Monday of the month at the Taro Centre, call 02393 878 777 for more details.