Jack Charlton’s wife and family can’t wait to come to Ireland to thank the people for their love and support since his death.
The legendary Irish manager’s son, John, said they were overwhelmed by the reaction to the documentary Finding Jack Charlton, which showed brave Jack battling dementia in the final two years of his life.
The film, which went out on Virgin Media One and BBC 2 in Britain on two consecutive nights last month, helped raise over €1million for the Alzheimer’s Society of Ireland.
Proud John said: “ The reaction was incredible.
“ I don’t think there is a person who watched that documentary who didn’t shed a tear.
“Dementia is a very cruel illness and we as a family wanted to highlight what it is like living with it.
“But aside from the dementia, it also showed what Ireland meant to dad and our family and how successful and loved he was as Irish manager.
life
“He lived and achieved so much in his life.”
Jack passed away in July last year at 85 years of age.
Now the FAI is planning to honour Ireland’s greatest manager once the Covid pandemic has passed with a public show of honour before a full house at the Aviva Stadium, probably next year.
They had created a virtual online book of condolences when Jack died, which 20,000 fans have now signed and want to present it to the Charlton family in front of the home fans.
A spokesman said: “The only place to honour Jack is before a game in the Aviva with 50,000 fans there to remember him.
“ We want his wife Pat and the whole family to come over for it.”
President Michael D Higgins is also planning to give a Presidential Distinguished Service Award in honour of Jack to the Charlton family.
John Charlton told the Mirror: “It is very humbling and wonderful that the President and the FAI are planning these events.
“The whole family can not wait to come over to Ireland to thank all the people for their letters, messages, memorial cards, good wishes and prayers.
“My mother, Pat, got her second Covid vaccination last week and she is really looking forward to going to Dublin.”
.png?w=600)
