Tony Parkes

[ElectroClaret]

Just been an article on BBC news about the Rovers
stalwart, he has advanced dementia and no longer recognises people.

Felt so sorry for him on that news item, this is one of those situations that transcends the rivalry between clubs. A dreadful debilitating condition that I hope a cure is found soon.

[ClaretTony]

I know he’s been suffering for some time now and I really don’t care who he played for, I would not wish this horrible disease on anyone.

My thoughts are with his family. I recall the first time my dad didn’t recognise who I was. It’s heartbreaking.

[lakedistrictclaret]

It’s awful isn’t it Tony.

My Mum didn’t recognise me during the last eighteen months of her life.

[fatboy47]

Rovers legend...wish him and his family nothing but the best... the colour of his shirt is a trivial matter at times like this.

[Lip]

:Sad news indeed!

[Buxtonclaret]

Really is awful news. Both for him and, his loved ones.
Remember Tony way back, at my local club.

[Shipclaret]

He is a proper football man and a loyal servant in good and bad times for his club. Rivalry is trivial in comparison to the pain and suffering his family and friends are going through. Many posters will have personal experience of the relentless, heart-breaking and demeaning impact of Dementia. All the very best to them and hopeful for better times ahead. UTC

[Hedontplayforyou]

Wouldn’t wish it on anybody. Absolutely terrible for both him and his family, having had one person in my family go through this, I find this very upsetting whenever I hear a case gets to this stage. Very sad .

[Claretnick]

This is very sad news. My wife's mother suffered with dementia and didn't know anyone in the last few years of her life. When we had to tell her that sadly her husband had passed she didn't know who we were talking about, it was very upsetting.
Sending best wishes to Tony and his family....

[Rowls]

Awful news, he was impeccable in his service to Blackburn Rovers.

[GetIntoEm]

My uncle eventually died of dementia, such a horrible illness. Was painful to watch the decline

[Claret Till I Die]

A truly awful disease to have to witness a loved one go through

[Longsidelenny1882]

God bless so sad

[helmclaret]

Terrible to hear.

One of the few from ‘over there’ that seemed to be likeable to me.

[ClaretTony]

It’s awful isn’t it Tony.

My Mum didn’t recognise me during the last eighteen months of her life.

Beyond awful. Since posting I’ve been able to watch the piece on BBC Breakfast. So hard to watch.

[warksclaret]

Its not only horrendous and frightening to watch, but their behaviour changes radically too. My mum went from loving me to hating me and I was the one that did the most for her and on constant call. AS the very nice lady running the care home she ended up at said, they take it out of the ones they love the most, and who have been closest to them.

[Spike]

Tony Parkes being “ poorly” is very sad.
It’s an horrible disease and no one should have to suffer it

[Claret86]

One of those instances when club rivalry doesn't matter. Dementia is a horrible disease, i saw my grandma waste away with it. In the end, her passing was for the best

[elwaclaret]

I know he’s been suffering for some time now and I really don’t care who he played for, I would not wish this horrible disease on anyone.

My thoughts are with his family. I recall the first time my dad didn’t recognise who I was. It’s heartbreaking.

Just thought I’d let you know going through it now with my dad. Been visiting him daily in hospital for the last three months and still hoping every day we’ll get to bring him home soon (as we have throughout the three months) as we are told it is imminent almost daily. Thought you’d like to know Tony, I know you were fond of each other when we were all a lot younger.

[jdrobbo]

So sorry to hear this, Elwa. Best wishes to you. You’re on my thoughts.

[Herts Clarets]

I have seen a couple of clips on TV with his daughter and it makes for very sad viewing. I have seen first hand what dementia is and does to people, and it is a truly horrible disease. Tony Parkes always comes across as one of the good guys and he has been there for his club when they have needed him. Wish him and his family well.

[Turftalkers mentor]

I wish nothing but the best for Mr Parkes and his family , a Rovers stalwart who did his best for them

[THEWELLERNUT70]

I echo everything that's been put earlier that regardless of rivalries is sad to see Tony Parks like this

[blatherwickstattoos]

Always liked the guy even though he’s blue and white through and through. Horrible situation for his family .

[ClaretTony]

Just thought I’d let you know going through it now with my dad. Been visiting him daily in hospital for the last three months and still hoping every day we’ll get to bring him home soon (as we have throughout the three months) as we are told it is imminent almost daily. Thought you’d like to know Tony, I know you were fond of each other when we were all a lot younger.

Really sorry to hear that elwa - long time since I saw him I have to say.

[Poulton-le-Claret]

Just sharing the link in case anyone wants to have a read.

Incredibly sad to see this happen to any person, glad he has a loving family around him.

BBC News - Tony Parkes: Blackburn Rovers legend reveals Alzheimer's diagnosis - BBC News
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-l ... e-51356850

[Rumpelstiltskin]

I remember chatting to Tony Parkes in a nightclub in Douglas Isle of Man.It must have been Summer 1985 because we had recently appointed Martin Buchanan as our new manager.Tony didn’t think he was the right man for us and he proved to be correct.But Tony was a really likeable down to earth man.Such a shame that he’s suffering from this awful illness.

[claretonthecoast1882]

An awful disease that nobody should ever have to go through, be that the individual or the family.

Being told they don't know you by a parent is a horrible thing for all to go through.

[Rumpelstiltskin]

I remember chatting to Tony Parkes in a nightclub in Douglas Isle of Man.It must have been Summer 1985 because we had recently appointed Martin Buchan as our new manager.Tony didn’t think he was the right man for us and he proved to be correct.But Tony was a really likeable down to earth man.Such a shame that he’s suffering from this awful illness.

[cricketfield73]

I was only thinking about how Tony Parkes was doing the other day whilst watching an old Big Match late one evening.
Here's him scoring in 1975 v Oldham Athletic.
https://youtu.be/Cxmf-0JaMus?si=nnzjVhRpElhBQlkM&t=2790

[elwaclaret]

Really sorry to hear that elwa - long time since I saw him I have to say.

He had to stop going to the Turf after a serious fall (toppled down several rows) in the Bob Lord while going to our seats in the promotion season (with cup runs) and after several weeks in hospital has never been very steady on his legs since. He has only gone out of the house as a passenger for quite a few years and has been more or less housebound for five or six years, but still pottering around on a zimmer. Now it looks like we’ll have our work cut out getting him back to that level of movement after three months off his legs.

[Terrier]

On a selfish and controversial note I would if possible take a get me out of here pill if and when the illness starts to get worse.
I have seen four members of my close relatives die from this horrible illness and it's not something I want me or my wife/children to be witness too.

[Alan Young]

Very sad to see. A measure of the man that he’s so well respected amongst Clarets and throughout football.

[maidenover]

I recently lost my best friend, a Blackpool lad to it. Two years ago he was driving in Los Angeles,(where he’d lived for years ) and suddenly had no idea where he was ; that was the start of it. He became very aggressive with his loved ones and became unmanageable. In the end the doctors thought it was Prion's disease. As I understand it, its a form of mad cow disease

[Andreshotboots]

Always seemed a very decent guy when he was involved in football..Wish him nothing but the best..

[basil6345789]

Always seemed a very decent guy when he was involved in football..Wish him nothing but the best..

Yes, everytime he rescued them. Yarkshire lad, actually.