‘Heading a football is slow killer’

Former journalist Mike Edwards hopes to start a dementia charity to campaign for a ban on heading in football. He hopes this move would reduce the number of players being diagnosed with the disease.

Mr Edwards has seen first-hand how damaging dementia can be to those suffering from it, as well as those surrounding them.

His mum Margaret – who was a nurse and midwife at Raigmore – died in his arms after spending the last few years of her life battling the disease.

The 57-year-old believes dementia is all too prevalent in Scotland without football adding to the numbers of diagnoses.

“I grew up watching Scottish heroes like Denis Law and Billy McNeill,” said Mr Edwards.

“Denis has received a diagnosis and dementia took Billy’s life, among many. I want to stop players suffering in the same way.

“My mother never headed a football in her life but I cared for her at home by myself and she died in my arms so I have seen what dementia does to someone.”

Mr Edwards said studies have shown that there are links between football and dementia, and he believes changes need to be made. “There was great news this week with footballers being told not to head the ball in the days before and after games but I believe it has to go further,” he said. “Football has to change to stop increasing the number of cases of dementia.

“Heading the ball is a slow but certain killer and I will be trying to get the game’s authorities to alter rules and players and coaches to amend attitudes.

“The game must adapt so young players grow up learning not to head the ball in the same way they learn not to handle it.”

He hopes to launch his charity in the new year, lobbying sporting authorities to change rules.

Mr Edwards started as a journalist for The Press and Journal in 1989, going on to work for STV before retiring in 2019.

He plans for the charity to be funded by the publication of his new book You’re Seeing It! – which tells the story of his time as a reporter, his service in Iraq and Afghanistan as an Army Reserve officer and his years spent caring for his mother.

The book will launch at Waterstones in Inverness Eastgate Centre from 2pm this Saturday. Caley Jags boss Dodds on heading restrictions, Sport

CAMPAIGN: Mike Edwards, who worked as a journalist for 40 years, hopes to ban heading in football. Picture by Sandy McCook.