Dean Windass: Former Hull and Bradford striker diagnosed with dementia
Former Manchester United and Blackburn defender David May announced the news on BBC Breakfast and confirmed he had received Windass’ permission.
“He was the same age as me and he was very worried about his future,” he said.
May is part of a group of former footballers and their families backing a campaign to provide more support for former players affected by neurodegenerative diseases.
The Football Family Justice (FFJ) campaign is also working with Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham and Liverpool Region Mayor Steve Rotheram.
May added: “I’m 55 and I wonder where I’ll be in 10 years’ time. Will I have the care of the governing body, the PFA, and the funding that these families are providing now? “Not actually?
“I’m worried, of course I am. I have a family to take care of and I don’t want my kids to be taking care of me day in and day out.”
FFJ is led by John Stiles, son of England World Cup winner Nobby Stiles.
Former Manchester United midfielder Styles died in 2020, suffering from prostate cancer and advanced dementia.
His brain was diagnosed with chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) – a degenerative disease of dementia believed to be caused by repeated blows.
John Stiles told BBC Breakfast: “My dad was very lucky because he had medals to sell. His medical bills were very expensive. If he didn’t have medals to sell, I don’t know what my family would do. – This is what is happening to the families of football players.
“That’s why we are campaigning to find help for families whose husbands have been put into financial difficulty by entering a nursing home.”
The Professional Footballers’ Association, the union for professional footballers in England and Wales, has a dedicated brain health team to support former members and educate current players who are concerned about their brain health.
Launching in September 2023 Football Brain Health Fundproviding an initial £1 million to help former players and their families affected by dementia and other neurodegenerative diseases.
In May, the Football Association said it would introduce new rules Phase out intentional heading At grassroots youth competitions across England.
