In 2002 Dyson donated £1.5 million to the Meningitis Research Foundation - the largest single donation the charity has ever received.

This contribution to the vital work of the charity was raised through a campaign involving sales of a limited edition upright and cylinder vacuum cleaner range in magenta and purple. The campaign originally aimed to raise £1 million, but with the support of Dyson's national retailers and over 100,000 of their customers, as well as monies raised at organised fundraising days at venues across the UK, it exceeded the target by over £500,000.

The donation was used to help fund the Foundation's vital scientific research programme into the prevention, detection and treatment of meningitis and septicaemia and raise awareness of these diseases.

"Meningitis can be deadly within 24 hours and being aware of the symptoms is crucial. So we publicised the symptoms on the point of sale material and packaging," comments James Dyson.

For further information on MFR and it's work, visit: www.meningitis.org.uk