On Sunday, it was announced that Sir Bobby Charlton was diagnosed with dementia at the age of 83. The wife of Bobby Charlton, Lady Norma Charlton was content for the public to hear about his diagnosis in order to help others who are suffering.
Charlton is widely to be considered to be England and Manchester United’s greatest ever footballer. Charlton earnt 106 caps with 49 goals for his country while accumulating 3 league titles, an FA cup and a European Cup with the Red Devils.
Charlton retired from professional football in 1976 after completing 3 games with Waterford United. However, he was still to be involved in the footballing community by becoming the Preston North End caretaker manager before returning to his main club Manchester united in a director’s role.
In July of 2020 his brother Jack Charlton passed away at his home in Northumberland at the age of 85. It was later revealed that he also suffered from dementia and lymphoma. This meant that 5 members of the winning 1966 World Cup squad had died of the disease.
The distressing news of Sir Bobby Charlton’s diagnoses had many of the football clubs around the country tweeting their best wishes towards the family. Manchester United tweeted:
“Everyone at Manchester United is saddened that this terrible disease has afflicted Sir Bobby Charlton and we continue to offer our love and support to Sir Bobby and his family”
Former England World Cup hero and life – long friend Sir Geoff Hurst, also paid tribute following the shock diagnosis:
“I’m sending my thoughts and best wishes to Sir Bobby and his wife Lady Norma and want to thank them for shining a spotlight on dementia, so that other families don’t feel alone during this difficult time”
Dementia is a massive part of football in today’s day and age with 5 members of the winning World Cup squad passing away as a result. It has been revealed in a study by research at the University of Glasgow that ex – professional football players are 3.5 times more likely to develop dementia than the general public.
With 920,000 people in the UK living with dementia and the number expected to rise to over a million by 2024, there are some incredible places where the victim or families can find support.
Find brilliant support here:
https://www.ageuk.org.uk/information-advice/health-wellbeing/conditions-illnesses/dementia/
CLEARVIEW SPORTS 
Leave a comment