Sir Geoff Hurst opens up on 1966 World Cup sadness after becoming sole survivor
Sir Geoff Hurst has written heartfelt words about the greatest day in England’s football history - and his sadness that it was taken away from his teammates.
Hurst is the last serving member of the 1966 World Cup winning team and five of the heroes died with dementia and almost one million people in the UK are living with the condition.
England legend Hurst has written a foreword for a book “Looking back at... the 1966 World Cup” to raise funds and awareness.
It was created by Matt Singleton of Cognitive Books after his football-loving father was diagnosed with Alzheimer's, and developed with the Alzheimer Society's Accelerator Programme.
Singleton worked with specialists and people living with dementia to create a book about the 1966 World Cup that sparks memories and conversations and it has been supported by the FA.
Hurst wrote: “1966 holds a special place in my heart. Scoring a hat-trick in a World Cup final is a dream for so many children when they’re growing up. To see that dream become a reality … well, I still find it hard to believe it happened to me.
“Lots of people have memories to share of that perfect World Cup summer and it’s a privilege to hear them. My memories are all about my teammates.
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Engalnd players Nobby Stiles Bobby Moore Sir Geoff Hurst and Martin Peters Celebrate the win with hat trick goalscorer Geoff Hust with the Trophy England v Germany, FIFA World Cup Final, Football, Wembley Stadium, London, UK - 30 Jul 1966
“After the final whistle, Bobby Charlton said to his brother, Jack, that our lives will never be the same. He was absolutely right!
“I’ve lost too many of those teammates, including dear Bobby and Jack, to this dreadful condition, dementia. But I’m only too aware that there are moments of joy during someone’s dementia journey.
“It would be fantastic if this book brings several of those moments and invokes wonderful memories for many readers.
“I hope you enjoy this book, all about the most amazing period in men’s English football history (so far), as much as I do!”
Looking back at... the 1966 World Cup will be published on 10 June
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