Middlesbrough FC legend Alan Peacock granted posthumous honour

Alan Peacock, who died last June at the age of 87, was posthumously awarded the Freedom of the Borough at a ceremony held at Middlesbrough Town Hall on Wednesday, May 6.

The honour recognises his achievements as a Middlesbrough FC and England footballer, as well as his tireless work raising awareness of dementia following his diagnosis in 2018.

Boro legend Alan Peacock who has been posthumously awarded the Freedom of the Borough of Middlesbrough (Image: Middlesbrough Council)

His daughter Diane Symington, grandson Harry, and great-grandson Luca received the award on his behalf.

Ms Symington 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.

“It means such a lot to us as a family and is a wonderful recognition of his life and legacy.

Boro legend Alan Peacock who has been posthumously awarded the Freedom of the Borough of Middlesbrough (Image: Middlesbrough Council)

“He was such a passionate advocate for Middlesbrough and its people.

“I just wish he could have been here.”

Mr Peacock scored 140 goals for Middlesbrough and played for England at the 1962 World Cup.

Following his dementia diagnosis, he became an ambassador for the club and championed its Dementia Friendly approach, supporting those living with the condition through community engagement and awareness-raising.

Middlesbrough Council Chair Jack Banks, Mr Peacock’s daughter Diane Symington, great-grandson Luca and grandson Harry (Image: Middlesbrough Council)

He helped develop football-inspired memory resources and engaged with more than 1,000 people affected by dementia during his campaigning.

Dr Tosh Warwick, a local historian who nominated Peacock for the award, 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.

Mr Peacock’s family were presented with a certificate marking the conferment of the Freedom of the Borough, and his name is added to the Roll of Honorary Freemen (Image: Middlesbrough Council)

“That’s an amazing contribution to the life of our town, and one that fully merits this prestigious accolade.”

Mr Cooke said: “Alan Peacock was enormously proud of his home town, and that feeling was reciprocated.

“His ability as a footballer is well known and he had a long and illustrious career.

Mr Peacock’s family were presented with a certificate marking the conferment of the Freedom of the Borough, and his name is added to the Roll of Honorary Freemen (Image: Middlesbrough Council)

“But his work after his playing days was no less important, and this work and its far-reaching impact would not have been possible without Alan’s time, dedication and inspiration.”

In tribute to Mr Peacock’s legacy, close friend Alan Geddes established the Alan Peacock Memory Walk to raise funds for the MFC Foundation and Dementia Action Teesside.

The next walk will take place on Sunday, September 27.

Middlesbrough Councillors and civic dignitaries gathered in the Courtroom at Middlesbrough Town Hall to confer the Freedom of the Borough on Middlesbrough Foodball Club legend and dementia awareness campaigner Alan Peacock (Image: Middlesbrough Council)