Sir Geoff Hurst has given his support to a new Alzheimer’s emergency campaign after the heartbreak of losing World Cup team mate Martin Peters.
England legend Hurst said it was a “sad blow” to lose 1966 hero Peters who died in December last year after contracting dementia which also plagued former footballers, including Jeff Astle.
Hurst, part of the 1966 winning team, video called a football fan with dementia during lockdown and is also backing Alzheimer’s Society’s Emergency Appeal.
Former West Ham striker Hurst rang 69-year-old Jack Cash with a growing fear that the coronavirus pandemic has led to a 52 per cent rise higher than expected in deaths from dementia because of a lack of social contact and reduction in care.
Hurst, 78, said: “I’ve been a supporter of Alzheimer’s Society for a few years now, as dementia is something that has hit me hard. Some of my World Cup colleagues are living with dementia, and sadly of course, Martin Peters who I met as a teenager playing for West Ham.
“It was a very sad blow when Martin passed away from dementia last year. It was a pleasure to speak to Jack about the excitement of having football back on our screens, and to share how we’ve both kept busy during the lockdown.”
Cash added: “I’ve played other sports, but football has always been my passion, so it was an honour to speak to Sir Geoff. The pandemic has really disrupted my routine and my role as a kit man in the local football team that I’m involved with.
“I used to look forward to interacting with the players and getting the football kits delivered on a Tuesday for the match on the Saturday, and as soon as the match was over, I would look forward to the next one the following week.”
The Alzheimer’s Society’s Emergency Appeal is appealing for support and for the charity’s Connect Support Line. To support Alzheimer’s Society’s Emergency Appeal, please visit alzheimers.org.uk/emergency.
Sir Geoff and Jack’s call can be viewed here - https://youtu.be/NUSbuYho_uc
