Bolton Wanderers legend Tommy Banks diagnosed with dementia

Farnworth-born and bred, Mr Banks achieved hero status in his hometown as one of the 1958 FA Cup winners, and a renowned hardman of English football in throughout the decade at Burnden Park.

He is one of only two surviving players from the Wanderers team which beat Manchester United at Wembley, in what remains the Whites' last major trophy triumph.

Signed by Wanderers while still working down the pit at Mosley Common, the 92-year-old went on to make 255 appearances for The Whites, playing his last league game for the club in 1961 and later moving into the building trade.

FLASHBACK: Prince Philip meets Bolton Wanderers players Ray Parry, Tommy Banks and team manager Bill Ridding, before the 2-0 victory over Manchester United in the 1958 FA Cup Final

Mr Banks also won six caps for England, playing all four games in the 1958 World Cup finals in Sweden, and is currently the second oldest surviving international for The Three Lions.

His symptoms are relatively mild and the former left-back is otherwise in good health, reports the family, who are now looking to raise money for the Alzheimer’s Society.

Officials at Farnworth Cricket Club have announced a fundraising event on Friday, June 24, starting at 7pm.

Although the event is in the early stages of its organisation, on the agenda for the Las Vegas themed night thus far are an Elvis impersonator, a Rat Pack tribute, Play Your Cards Right and a raffle as well as food.

It is also hoped Tommy’s only surviving teammate from that famous final, Brian Birch, will be able to make the event.

Bolton businessman Martin Axford is organising the fundraiser and the cause is close to his heart on a number of levels.

He said: “I lost my father Anthony through dementia, who was a friend of Tommy’s. I just thought it was the right thing to do for both of them.”

Mr Axford, who has a deep affection for local sport, said the event was a fitting tribute to a Whites hero, who brought pleasure to thousands in his playing days.

“I can’t speak highly enough of Tommy,” he said. “He is a real gentleman. Such a down-to-earth chap.”

Bolton Wanderers proudly displaying the FA Cup and the FA Charity Shield. (back l-r) Roy Hartle, George Higgins, Bryan Edwards, Eddie Hopkinson, Derek Hennin, Tommy Banks and Bert Sproston (Trainer). (front l-r) Brian Birch, Dennis Stevens, Nat (Image: PA)

Nicki Nalton, community fundraiser for Greater Manchester at the Alzheimer’s Society, said: “It’s wonderful that Martin has organised this event in honour of Tommy Banks, who is such a sporting hero for so many people and we are delighted that he has chosen to support Alzheimer’s Society.

"Every pound raised will help us provide vital information and support, improve care, fund research and create lasting change for people affected by the condition.”

In 2020, nearly a quarter of all the people who died due to coronavirus also had dementia, and the knock-on effects of lockdown have caused many more people living with the conditions to deteriorate.

The latest figures show there are nearly 29,000 people living with dementia in Greater Manchester and the Alzheimer’s Society’s services have been accessed over six million times since March 2020.

Mrs Nalton added: “The continued support and generosity of supporters like Martin means we can make sure people get the information and support they need.

“It’s never been more important to support the 28,658 people living with dementia in Greater Manchester and the continued support and generosity of supporters like Martin means we can make sure people get the information and support they need."