Town legend Trevor Whymark's struggle with Alzheimer's

And now his son is planning a big fundraiser to boost the charity that is supporting him.

Trevor, who is 73 next month, played for Town for 10 years, from 1969 to 1979. He played 261 times for the club, scoring 75 goals which included three four-goal hauls. He won a single England cap in 1977.

Trevor Whymark shoots for goal against Norwich City in November 1972. (Image: Newsquest Library)

He now lives with his wife Rita in Norfolk. His son Craig is an entertainer - mainly a draq queen with the stage name Fanny Galore.

Now Craig is planning a charity tennis tournament near his Harlow home - and is considering organising a drag performance in this area to raise money for the Alzheimer's Society.

Craig said: "Dad was diagnosed in 2019. We had noticed changes before then. He seemed to withdraw into himself when my grandmother died and it got worse.

"There's no doubt it got worse during the Covid lockdowns. I wasn't able to see him so much and when I did I noticed the changes.

"It's really the short-term memory. He knows the family and knows about his football career, but you sometimes have to tell him things several times."

Trevor Whymark at Portmar Road in 2006. (Image: Ashley Pickering)

The family had received great support from the Alzheimers' Society which will be benefiting from the tournament that will be held in September.

Craig said: "I will be playing as Fanny and if I don't I think you can guarantee there will be some raquet abuse going on!"

He has set up a Just Giving page for people to donate to the charity - and hopes that Town fans who remember his father's exploits, especially the performances against Lazio and West Brom, will support it.

Trevor Whymark, who scored four goals, and Paul Mariner, who scored on his Town debut, celebrate at the end of Ipswich's 7-0 win over West Brom in 1977. (Image: Archant)

Trevor was one of the finest headers of the ball in the First Division - and the family believe that could well be a factor in his condition.

Craig said: "Back in the 70s the old leather balls were much heavier than they are today - especially when they were wet.

"And they used to practice heading them every day whatever the weather. No one thought about what the consequences might be."

Former England striker Jeff Astle died as a result of dementia in 2002 at the age of just 59 and his daughter Dawn has linked up with the Professional Footballers' Association to highlight the issue of heading balls.

A significant number of footballers - including several members of the England World Cup winning team of 1966 have died or are suffering from the condition.

Craig said: "We regularly talk to Dawn Astle and the PFA and they have been incredibly supportive." 

Trevor Whymark met up again with former boss Bobby Robson at a reunion in 1990 (Image: Archant)

Although he lives in Harlow, Craig visits his parents for a couple of days most weeks - Trevor and Rita regularly go to his shows.

He said: "Dad is not too bad. He knows the family and we go out quite a bit. He likes to play mini-golf and he still usually beats me at that!"

Ipswich Town is also supporting Trevor and his family. 

Simon Milton, club ambassador, spoke on behalf of the Ipswich Town Former Players Association:  "We were very saddened to hear of Trevor’s Alzheimer’s diagnosis in 2019.

"Many of our members and Trevor’s team mates have been in touch with him over the last few years.

"We recently invited Trevor and his son Carl to join us in the Directors Box at our recent home game against Charlton.

"It was very good to see him mingling with former team mates like George Burley and Bryan Hamilton as we thrashed Charlton six nil."

Former team mate Bryan Hamilton added: “He was the best header of the ball I have ever played with and a great centre forward to have in your team.

"He was always available and had an excellent touch, and who can forget his four goals against Lazio at Portman Road in a European tie – a remarkable performance.”