Forever in my thoughts and forever in my heart...all my love as always

Sir Bobby’s wife in poignant tribute

SIR Bobby Charlton’s widow left the 1966 World Cup hero a touching note as his life was celebrated at Manchester Cathedral.

About 1,000 mourners paid their respects to Man

Utd legend Sir Bobby at his funeral on Monday.

In the handwritten note which was left among the flowers, 83-year-old Norma said: “Dearest Bobby, forever in my thoughts, forever in my heart, all my love as always, Norma.”

Family members yesterday attended a private ceremony near his home in Cheshire following the public farewell on Monday.

They included Norma, his wife of 62 years; his daughters Suzanne and Andrea; and his grandchildren Robert, William and Emma.

Sir Bobby, 86, suffered from dementia like brother Jack, who died in 2020 aged 85.

Their younger brother Tommy, 77, was also attending the farewell.

“It will be so hard, but we just have to get through it,” he said before the service. “He was a truly wonderful man. We will miss him.”

Jack’s son John, 65, described how

Norma had cared for Sir Bobby in the final days before he died.

Speaking of Sir Bobby’s struggles with dementia, he said: “It is hard because it is such a cruel disease.

“We had time to prepare as did the family of Bobby. It means you get to say what you want to say.”

Monday’s service was attended by United stars past and present including Ryan Giggs, Roy Keane, Harry Maguire and Luke Shaw.

Former club chief executive David Gill said in a eulogy: “The Manchester United family has lost a wonderful and much-loved member. I can’t say any more other than we all loved you, Bobby.”