Dozens of staff members at a major healthcare company netted hundreds of pounds for the homeless in a penalty shoot-out in the grounds of their firm.

For every goal scored, Janssen UK pledged to donate cash to Shelter, the national charity that campaigns to end homelessness.

And, thanks to the sharp-shooting of the High Wycombe-based workers, more than £500 was raised.

Janssen, the pharmaceutical arm of healthcare giants Johnson & Johnson, joined forces for the special event with Wycombe Wanderers Sports and Education Trust (WWSET) - who are the charitable arm of the football club.

Around 80 staff members at their headquarters in Holmers Farm Way, High Wycombe, stepped up for the football challenge, trying to hit the back of the giant blow-up goals.

Amit Soba, Web and content specialist at Janssen UK, said: “The penalty shoot-out was really fun and competitive especially as it was with our peers.

“It was also a great opportunity to help us raise money and awareness for Janssen UK’s chosen charity Shelter, while encouraging people to get some exercise during the day.

“I even managed to bag two goals in ten attempts.”

It was all part of a wider initiative, ‘Race for the Cup’, a football-themed global Johnson & Johnson health challenge, where employees form teams and track their steps for 21 days.

The goal is to raise awareness of the importance of health and wellness and the benefits available to staff.

The event at the beginning of May kicked off with a perimeter walk of the High Wycombe site led by Robert Juhasz – Janssen UK management committee health and wellness sponsor.

Neil Ashcroft, of Janssen UK who is vice chair of Bucks Health and Social Care Partnership Board, said: “It was great to have our friends at Wycombe Wanderers FC Sports and Education Trust join us to officially kick off the ‘Race to the Cup’ challenge with a penalty shoot-out.

“There is a huge overlap between WWSET’s and Janssen’s goals to deliver activities in health, education, social inclusion and sports participation – therefore we are always delighted to have the opportunity to collaborate on events such as this, which can positively impact our local community.”

Sam Parker, community health manager for Wycombe Wanderers FC Sports and Education Trust, said: “Janssen has been a valuable support to Wycombe Wanderers Sports and Education Trust.

“We are a small charity and the help and guidance from such a colossal company has really helped our charity to thrive.

“Janssen has provided us with team-workshops, marketing and strategy support to see our charity progress and develop.”

Janssen is one of the world’s leading research-based pharmaceutical companies and is part of the Johnson & Johnson family of companies – the largest diversified healthcare group in the world with over 100 years of scientific heritage.

They employ approximately 500 people in the UK and Ireland.

See www.janssen.com.