Footballers of 1966 'robbed of wonderful memories by dementia' says England legend

Gordon Banks, goalkeeper for the winning England squad in the legendary 1966 World Cup, has asked people to think of his fellow team mates, who have been robbed of their precious World Cup memories by dementia. Mr Banks, who is often quoted as England’s ‘best ever goalie’, was ‘heartbroken’ at seeing three of his fellow Three Lions teammates, Martin Peters, Nobby Stiles and Ray Wilson, develop dementia.

Mr Banks lost his brother to Alzheimer’s. He said: “I know from personal experience that dementia can be a really devastating condition because of the lads and because I lost my brother to Alzheimer’s and that’s why I am backing Alzheimer’s Society every step of the way till the day we find a cure for the blasted thing.

“When fans tune into the semi-final with Croatia, I just want them to spare a thought for my old teammates who have been affected by dementia because they have been robbed of the wonderful memories the rest of the team had of that incredible experience in 1966. They are national treasures and should inspire us all to act."

Mr Banks thinks that the current England team are now in a similar situation to the one he found himself in 52 years ago; on the brink of World Cup history. He also believes the young squad have good team-spirit. He explains: “The way people are rallying around Gareth Southgate and his team makes me certain that we can find a cure for dementia if we stick together and really put our minds to the challenge ahead.

“So far, I’ve been enjoying every minute of this World Cup – it’s been a joy to watch this England side. The team is getting better and better with every game and that was the same with us in 1966 which is why I’m quietly optimistic.”

Last year, the Football Association (FA) and the Professional Footballers’ Association (PFA) commissioned an evidence-based study into whether heading a football can increase the risk of getting dementia, because so many former players have been diagnosed with the condition. The study started in January of this year and is still ongoing.

Jeremy Hughes, chief executive officer of Alzheimer’s Society, said: “We count ourselves lucky to have Gordon and Geoff on our side because they are real winners and with their help I know we will defeat dementia. Tragically, dementia is the UK’s biggest killer. It doesn’t care who you are and if it can affect sporting heroes like Martin Peters, Nobby Stiles and Ray Wilson. It could affect any one of us.

“Dementia can devastate lives, yet too many people face it alone, without adequate support, and we urgently need more funding – help us to improve care, offer support and understanding and find a cure.”

Watching vintage football games and keeping up with the recent England matches can help create feelings of wellbeing for those who have dementia by evoking precious memories associated with football yesteryear.

Caroline Abrahams, charity director at Age UK says supporting England and watching the current games should create a “positive atmosphere - we hope! – and a sense of us all being involved in something that’s bigger than ourselves. That’s a tonic for everyone, especially perhaps for older people whose opportunities to get out and engage with others are less frequent than they used to be, or than they’d ideally like.”