Dad's influence as an ex-professional footballer is helping to raise awareness of dementia

Many people will know my dad as Alan Peacock, former Middlesbrough FC, Leeds United FC and England footballer. He played in the 1962 World Cup in Chile, but sadly due to injury, missed out on selection for the 1966 World Cup squad.

To me he is just my Dad and I’m so very proud of him!

Funnily enough, I wasn’t aware he was famous until I started senior school and everyone was asking if they could have his autograph.

A successful football career

To take you back, Dad started playing football as a young boy in the alley ways behind his childhood home in North Ormesby, Middlesbrough. His idol was Wilf Mannion, who he still regards as the best ever player. Dad played for his school and for the ‘Boro Boys’.

But his own father insisted early on that he serve time as a fitter and turner, just in case he didn’t make it as a professional football player!

He played for his hometown, Middlesbrough FC alongside Brian Clough, and then went on to play for Don Revie’s Leeds United with his good friend Jack Charlton.

In total, he won six caps for his country before his career was unfortunately cut short due to recurring knee injuries.

Now aged 85, Dad played in an era when they played for the love of the game. It certainly wasn’t for the money, as he earned £3 a week!

Noticing changes in Dad

I first started to notice Dad was having memory issues in 2016. He would forget names, places and recent events. Dad began to struggle with telling the time, remembering dates and days of the week.

He realised he was forgetting things and would often make things up to cover his lapses in memory and to save face. Dad still does this now.

He was officially diagnosed in 2018, but still doesn’t really understand what his diagnosis entails, but is determined it won’t define him.

Staying involved after diagnosis

Dad’s memories of his football stay with him. It was a huge part of his life and still is. He has his season ticket for the Boro and regularly goes to the Riverside to enjoy the matches.

His involvement with the MFC Foundation in particular makes him still feel he has something to offer.

The Foundation has recently created memory boxes using football memorabilia including Dad’s own memories, words and photographs. Along with Foundation staff, Dad visits local care homes weekly to chat with residents and share memories.

He puts on his best MFC suit and tie and suddenly his shoulders go back, he seems taller and is once again Alan Peacock the footballer.

This has such a positive impact on both him and the residents he visits.  Dad may not remember after an hour or so, but he gets such a buzz from the interaction at the time. It lifts his mood for the rest of the day.

He also attends a regular tea dance at the Riverside. People living with dementia and their carers get together socially, listen to old music, dance and generally have a great time.

Dad was really honoured recently to be asked to cut the ribbon to start the recent Memory Walk in Leeds in aid of Alzheimer’s Society which appeared across the media.

Impact of Dad's dementia

On a personal note, as his daughter and carer, it’s tough!

Dad has good days and bad days. I don’t live close by and do a round trip of 450 miles each week to stay with him for a few days. My family are very supportive, but it does have a huge impact on all of us.

Addressing the stigma

It saddens me that often people living with dementia are overlooked or ignored. Some friends and contacts find it difficult to engage, many drift away or distance themselves.

Maybe its embarrassment or a lack of understanding, I’m not sure, but I’ve witnessed this on more than one occasion.

Hopefully Dad’s involvement with the MFC Foundation and other amazing charities like Alzheimer’s Society will help raise awareness, education and support for people living with dementia, their families and friends.

These days Dad sadly can’t remember the names of his three grandchildren, but ask him about football and he lights up. Long may it last!