ENGLAND HERO HURST JOINS FIGHT AGAINST ALZHEIMER’S
SIR GEOFF HURST has given his support to a new Alzheimer’s emergency campaign after the heartbreak of losing World Cupwinning team-mate Martin Peters.
England legend Hurst said it was a “sad blow” to lose 1966 hero Peters, who died in December last year at the age of 76 after contracting dementia, which has also plagued other former footballers including Jeff Astle.
Hurst video-called an Alzheimer’s sufferer during lockdown and is also backing the 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, (with Peters, left, after winning the World Cup) said: “I’ve been a supporter of the 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.
“But 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.”
A delighted Cash said: “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 kitman 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.”
■ 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
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