THE daughter of a Blackburn Rovers legend has spoken out about the devastating impact of his illness and spiralling care costs as his Alzheimer’s worsens.

Tony Parkes dedicated almost his entire career to Rovers as a player and coach, making more than 300 appearances between 1970 and 1982.

He then successfully took the reins as caretaker-manager on six occasions while the club searched for its next coach – as well as being part of Kenny Dalglish’s coaching staff during the Premier League triumph of 1995.

He retired from football to become a full-time carer for his wife, Eileen, who had terminal cancer, before she passed away aged 61 in 2009.

In 2019, Parkes was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease and with money running out to pay for his care, a Crowdfunder has been set up in the hope of keeping Tony settled and cared for in a residential home.

His daughter, Natalie, said: “Following mum’s death, dad slowly started to withdraw from everything, even football.

“He returned to Rovers briefly as a scout and filled his days with walking and golf but rarely wanted to meet any of his friends.

“Initially it was grief, but in December 2017 I noticed other changes like forgetting his words and not wanting to go out as much. Dad was finally diagnosed with Alzheimer’s in November 2019.

“The decline was rapid and soon I couldn’t go anywhere without taking my dad with me as he was scared to be alone.

“He stopped recognising his own reflection and stopped sleeping. We all lived together, including my husband and then two-year-old daughter. In October 2020 I gave up my job to be his carer.”

A volunteer group called Sporting Memories initially supported the family, but Natalie says Covid lockdowns, having a second baby and caring for a whole family “took its toll”.

She said: “I found out I was pregnant again and then lockdown hit. The isolation had a devastating effect on dad.

“His speech declined, he was sad, anxious and I couldn’t leave a room without him following me and he started trying to escape – waking me up at all hours by banging and at one point he convinced our neighbour to break down the door as he couldn’t wake me up. I was asleep and he had climbed out of a window.

“Once my second daughter was born in September 2020 I was faced with an impossible choice. I couldn’t give everybody what they needed and keep them all safe, so dad went into a residential setting.

“It broke my heart but looking back it was the right decision. However, it was eight months before I got to see him again due to the pandemic.

“The full-time caring role has now been swapped with the guilt and financial worry of how we will be able to fund his care long term. It’s currently just under £4,000 a month with a 12 per cent increase planned from March.

“Life is hard and I am tired. Alzheimer’s doesn’t get any better and right now the future looks pretty bleak if I think about it for too long.

“Dad worked all his life to provide a better future for me and my family but by the end there will be absolutely nothing left.”

While she says Tony is not aware of the financial strain, his condition continues to worsen and all she can do is “make the most” of the limited time they can spend together.

The Crowdfunder is calling on Rovers fans to donate towards Tony’s care as all of the family savings have now gone, describing Ewood Park as Tony’s “happy place”.

Former players have spoken fondly of Tony in the past, with Alan Shearer saying “our dressing room loved him”, while Chris Sutton recently told Natalie: “I can tell you I didn’t always like my coaches at certain clubs, but that was never the case with your dad.

“He was a vital ingredient in us winning the title in 1995. I remember him as a sharp man and a very calm character. Not once did he shout at us.”

It has so far raised £1,000 of a £20,000 target, vital for keeping Tony settled and in a place where he is content and well cared for.

Blackburn Rovers say they are in regular contact about how they can assist and support Tony Parkes’ family.

To donate, visit: https://www.crowdfunder.co.uk and search for ‘Tony Parkes’.