Ex-Premier League footballer Dean Windass has received a diagnosis of dementia at 55 years old. The condition of the former Hull City, Bradford City, and Middlesbrough forward came to light on BBC Breakfast, where David May, the ex-Manchester United defender, shared the news, reports the Mirror.
“I only spoke to Dean Windass yesterday, ex-professional footballer,” May recounted. “I asked Deano how he is. He’s been diagnosed with Stage 2 dementia. He’s the same age as me and he’s worried sick of how it’s going to be in the future for him.”
Following the revelation, May took to Twitter to clarify that Windass had consented to the disclosure of his health status. His tweet read: “FYI I spoke to @DWindass10 last night and asked his permission.
He was 100 per cent behind me mentioning that he had been diagnosed with stage 2 dementia. Deano has just done an article for a national newspaper which will be published soon.”
Windass, known for netting the goal that vaulted his childhood team Hull City into the Premier League at the 2008 Wembley playoff final, endorsed May’s tweet. He also retweeted a message of support saying: “I’m so sorry to hear that Deano. My mum had Alzheimer’s and vascular dementia.”
This message followed advice to Windass: “Keep doing what you’re doing mate, stay active body and mind my friend and of course you’ve got the Yorkshire grit, fighting spirit and great support.”