Nobby Stiles’ family have called for more support for the families of dementia sufferers.
The World Cup hero died aged 78 in October after falling victim to the disease in his final years.
His son John said loved ones should not have to fund care for those struck by the condition.
John said: “It was a living nightmare to see such a lovely man disappear in such a brutal way.
“The NHS is meant to be free care for everyone. But it disappears when it comes to dementia. Families should not have to worry about the cost. It is not right.”
Fellow 1966 heroes Ray Wilson, Martin Peters and Jack Charlton have also died after suffering dementia. Sir Bobby Charlton was also recently diagnosed.
Nobby’s widow Kay said it was “horrible” to watch her husband deteriorate before he died.
She backed the idea of advising junior players not to head the ball, saying: “No matter how much you earn, you can’t buy a new brain.”
