At a special ceremony at Middlesbrough Town Hall on Wednesday evening (May 6), the family of Alan Peacock accepted the Freedom of the Borough on his behalf.
The award – one of fewer than 20 of its kind to be made in the town’s history - recognises Mr Peacock’s career as a footballer with Middlesbrough FC and England and his subsequent work to raise awareness and support those living with dementia following his own diagnosis.
The ceremony followed a unanimous decision taken at a meeting of Middlesbrough Council last May, and was attended by Middlesbrough Councillors and senior officers and the Deputy Lieutenant of North Yorkshire Trevor Watson.
A specially inscribed certificate was received to mark the occasion by Mr Peacock’s daughter Diane, grandson Harry and great-grandson Luca.
Mr Peacock, who died last June at the age of 87, is remembered as one of the finest footballers of his generation who scored 140 goals for his hometown club and played for England at the 1962 World Cup.
He was diagnosed with dementia in 2018 and went on to volunteer as an Ambassador with Middlesbrough Football Club, working tirelessly to raise awareness of the condition as part of the club’s Dementia Friendly approach.
His work across a range of charitable and voluntary initiatives and fund-raising activity included a new football-inspired memory box and media appearances.
Through the development of community resources and activities, he had a lasting impact on the lives of thousands of people living with dementia, their carers, families, friends and the wider public, and thousands of football fans.
Local historian and University of Sheffield researcher Dr Tosh Warwick, who nominated Mr 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.
“That’s an amazing contribution to the life of our town, and one that fully merits this prestigious accolade.
“Hopefully the recent Honorary Freedom of the Borough recognitions can act as a catalyst so that Middlesbrough recognises more notable figures from and associated with the town, including sporting heroes.”
Over a ten-year period Mr Peacock engaged with more than 1,000 people directly living with dementia, their carers and staff at care homes, with dementia-friendly training now an annual requirement for all Club and Foundation staff.
Close friend Alan Geddes was subsequently inspired to create the Alan Peacock Memory Walk to raise funds for MFC Foundation and Dementia Action Teesside.
The inaugural walk took place in September, 2025, and the annual event will next be held on Sunday, September 27.
Alan’s daughter Diane 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.
“He was such a passionate advocate for Middlesbrough and its people – I just wish he could have been here.”
Middlesbrough Mayor Chris 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.
“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.”
