Daily Mirror (Northern Ireland)
Treasured memories of Big Jack’s family
Charlton brothers line up with mum
JACK Charlton lines up with all three of his brothers in a touching portrait with their mum.
The cherished family photo with fellow England legend Sir Bobby, 82, Gordon, 77, and Tommy, 74, was taken around 25 years ago.
It belongs to Gordon, the former merchant seaman who was in the South China Sea when Jack and Sir Bobby lifted the World Cup in 1966.
It is one of the last photos taken of the brothers with their mum Cissie before her death, at 83, in 1996.
Gordon’s wife of 49 years Jenny, 69, from Leeds, said: “It is a lovely photo. Jack stands out because he is so tall.
“The other three are so alike, like peas in a pod.”
Today, the Charlton brothers hope to reunite at Jack’s funeral in Newcastle upon Tyne – if they are well enough to attend.
Only 20 mourners are allowed to attend due to Covid-19, including his wife of 62 years Patricia, 85, sons John, 61, Peter, 53, daughter Deborah Wilkinson, 57, and her children Emma, Tom and Kate.
Jack’s hometown of Ashington, Northumberland, will come to a standstill as residents pay homage to one of their most famous sons.
Fans are expected to turn out as he makes his final journey through the streets where he and Bobby first kicked a ball before they became the world’s most famous footballing brothers. MPS, former players and celebrities are backing the Mirror’s call for Jack, who died on July 10 aged 85, to be given a posthumous knighthood.
The cortege will meet a police escort at around 10am in Ashington before going along Newbiggin Road, North Seaton Road, Woodhorn Road, then Alexander Road.
It will stop close to the former Charlton family home at 114 Beatrice St, taking the same route back en route to Newcastle’s West Road crematorium for a 11.45am service. The family has requested all those paying tribute to observe social distancing guidelines.