It was with great sadness we learned of the passing of Alan Peacock.
Much will be said and written about Alan the player, the Boro star who scored goals for club and country.
We would like to pay tribute to Alan the man. A man we got to know, respect and whose company we were privileged to share.
For a long time Alan was a regular at our monthly dementia dances, held in association with Dementia Action Teesside. A popular figure whose photos from when he was a player adorn the walls of the very room where the dances take place.
Despite his condition Alan was determined to give something back to the fans, to Teesside and was more often than not the star attraction at the dances where he was happy to talk with everyone, especially about the Boro. He also started a walk from the Riverside where participants were invited to share memories of loved ones past or present who were living with dementia.
He loved to dance; he loved to talk. He loved music and he loved football. He was happy when in an environment which allowed him to do all that, at least for one afternoon a month and we were honoured to have him there.
One of Alan’s legacies are the memory boxes he helped to create. Containing a priceless insight to his football career, they included memorabilia from his illustrious career with Middlesbrough, Leeds and England including his first contract when he was just 17 for £3 a week, a Christmas card from 1965 signed by Sir Alf Ramsey and a programme cover and team sheet from the 1965 FA cup final.
They became an integral part of the Foundation’s visits to care homes, together with his first England cap and shirt.
Alan will be missed by so many of our team whose thoughts and prayers are with Diane (pictured), his daughter who would bring him to the dances, knowing he was in a safe and welcoming environment. One in which she too found a little peace.
RIP Alan. Legend. Friend.