Legends united to support Hull City hero Chris Chilton
MORE THAN £10,000 HAS BEEN RAISED SO FAR
A HOST of Hull City legends have come together to support Tigers hero Chris Chilton, who suffers from dementia and Alzheimer’s, as his family battle to retain his valuable respite care.
Such is the level of support for City’s greatest ever goalscorer, more than £10,000 has been raised since an appeal went live yesterday morning, with the Tigers’ community coming together to support him.
Ken Wagstaff, Billy Whitehurst, Garreth Roberts and Dean Windass are among the ex-city stars to throw their support behind the cause, while current city boss Grant Mccann has made a significant donation for the ex-striker, who netted 222 goals during his decade-long stint with his hometown club.
Wembley hero Windass, has agreed a help organise a fundraising event which, he says, will be attended by around 200 people next year, with proceedings going towards the family.
“Chris Chilton is now 77,” said Francesca, daughter of City legend Ken Wagstaff.
“You probably won’t need reminding, but he’s still Hull City’s record goalscorer - and is likely to remain so for any of our lifetimes.
“Along with my dad and the likes of Ken Houghton, Ian Butler, Jock Davidson and various other legends to play under those wonderful teams in the 1960s and 1970s, he brought incredible joy to tens of thousands of Hullensians. ‘ Waggy and Chillo’ are two names that just automatically go together like ‘fish and chips’ for everyone in Hull, though.
“Chris is currently in respite care, a decision that was incredibly hard for the family to make, and something that has been put off for a very long time.
“However, the decision really was taken out of their hands for the sake of everyone involved and this was made possible by the help of Jeff Barmby and the Hull City Supporters Club who raised initial funds. Chris now needs 24-hour professional care.
“He is due to come out of the care home in which he has been staying and back home at the end of October, and during this time Marg has been trying to look into options whilst she has the headspace to think about what will be the best care for Chris, the care he so richly deserves.”
Billy Whitehurst said: “Chris was a fantastic footballer and coach.
“But more than that, he is a truly humble and nice person who, in my opinion, is Mr Hull City.
“I would call on all Tigers fans and the wider football family to come together and get behind this appeal and help Chris and his family during this difficult time.”
Garreth Roberts: “How lucky was I to have as my first coaches as a 17-year-old apprentice at City, Chillo, Ken Houghton and Andy Davidson, three legends of the club who had been there and done it.
Dean Windass said: “Chris Chilton is an absolute gentlemen and he remains the best header of the ball I have ever seen.”
You donate to the fund by searching for “Chris Chilton Appeal” at www.gofundme.com