A MIDDLESBROUGH football legend is kicking off an event to raise awareness of dementia.

Joslin Rhodes Pension & Retirement Planning, based in Stockton-On-Tees, has teamed up with Middlesbrough FC Foundation to host a football memorabilia memory room exhibition.

The local firm, which helps people across the North East make sense of their pensions and plan for their best life in retirement, is hosting the event at its Stockton premises on Thursday, December 1, to raise awareness of the work the Foundation does in relation to dementia and the issues facing people affected by the condition.

Boro legend Alan Peacock is ‘kicking off’ the event with his own memory box containing memorabilia gathered throughout his prestigious career. The football-based project was created following Alan’s own dementia diagnosis last year.

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Since then, Alan has played a key role in launching the project with the Foundation, visiting care homes across the area reminiscing about his career and hearing residents’ memories of attending football matches.

The free ticket only exhibition will include:

* Signed Middlesbrough FC and England memorabilia (shirts, photographs, programmes etc.);

* Memory boxes containing memorabilia from Alan’s illustrious career with Middlesbrough, Leeds and England including Alan’s 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;

* Full size replica of the FA Cup;

* Raffle and an auction of signed Middlesbrough FC memorabilia on the evening to raise money for the Foundation;

* The opportunity to have your photo taken with MFC mascot, Roary the lion.

The Northern Echo: A chance to meet Roary the Lion is one of the prizesA chance to meet Roary the Lion is one of the prizes (Image: JOSLIN RHODES)

Alan Geddes, fundraising and events coordinator at the Foundation said: “Reminiscence therapy has huge benefits for those living with dementia. Props and photos can stimulate their mind and evoke memories while also improving their mental health and wellbeing.

“To be able to take our memorabilia on tour again after receiving such positive feedback is great, we’re looking forward to the event in December as it’s another opportunity to build awareness of the work we do.”

Neil Parker, CEO & Founder of Joslin Rhodes said: “We’re extremely proud of our Teesside roots and many of the Joslin Rhodes team are lifelong Boro fans. The Foundation does fantastic work to improve the lives of local people. This event will help raise funds and awareness of the vital service they perform in our community.”

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