It is with great sadness that the family of former Walsall FC player Alf Wood, announce his death at the age of 74, after living with Dementia from the age of 62.
Alf will be fondly remembered by those who followed his 19 year career playing football for Manchester City, Millwall, Walsall, Shrewsbury Town, Hull City, Middlesbrough and Stafford Rangers. Alf also made a great number of friends in the years following his retirement from football as he began his own promotions business and spent many a happy afternoon on the golf course.
Sadly, Alf was diagnosed with dementia 12 years ago, and has been living in a specialist care facility for the last 7 years. Alf's wife and family have campaigned and fundraised tirelessly on behalf of Dementia UK since his diagnosis.
Alf is survived by his wife Joan, two daughters, five grandchildren and one great grandchild. His daughters Karen and Samantha said: "We were and remain hugely proud of our wonderful dad. Whilst many will remember him for his successful footballing career when we think of him we will recall his huge love for his wife and family, and his great passion for life, which remained undimmed by his long battle with dementia. We are grateful for every moment we had with him."
Alf will be greatly missed by all who knew him. Donations in his memory can be made to The National Brain Appeal -https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/alf-wood.
The National Brain Appeal raises funds to advance treatment and research at The National Hospital for Neurology & Neurosurgery and the UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology – funding pioneering research, providing access to the best technology for expert diagnosis and treatment, and training tomorrow’s clinicians to support the one in six of us with a neurological condition. https://www.nationalbrainappeal.org/ .