Former footballer posthumously given civic honour
Middlesbrough CouncilA former Middlesbrough footballer and dementia campaigner has posthumously been given his town's highest civic honour.
Club legend Alan Peacock, who scored 140 goals for his hometown club Middlesbrough and won six caps for England, died in June at the age of 87.
The former forward was diagnosed with dementia in 2018 and went on to volunteer as an ambassador at the club, working to raise awareness of the condition as part of its dementia-friendly approach.
Peacock's daughter, Diane Symington, accepted the Freedom of the Borough on her father's behalf at Middlesbrough Town Hall on 6 May, along with his grandson Harry and great-grandson Luca.
'Profound impact'
The ceremony followed a unanimous decision taken at a meeting of Middlesbrough Council last May.
Local historian and University of Sheffield researcher Dr Tosh Warwick, who nominated Peacock for the Freedom of the Borough, said: "Alan was a true local legend whose influence continued long after his playing career came to an end.
"In raising awareness of the challenges and opportunities presented by living with dementia, he had a profound impact not just locally but regionally and nationally."
Middlesbrough CouncilSymington said: "Dad was born and bred in Middlesbrough and he was so proud of his roots here so this would have meant the world to him.
"He was such a passionate advocate for Middlesbrough and its people - I just wish he could have been here."
The council said Peacock engaged with more than 1,000 people living with dementia during his time as an ambassador for the club.
A spokesperson said dementia-friendly training was now an annual requirement for the football club.
Middlesbrough Mayor Chris Cooke said Peacock's work after his "long and illustrious" footballing career ended "was no less important".
He said: "Alan Peacock was enormously proud of his home town and that feeling was reciprocated."
