Family of Chesterfield FC legend Ernie Moss reveal how he’s doing as they fundraise for Dementia UK

The family of Chesterfield FC legend Ernie Moss are fundraising this month for a charity very close to their hearts.
By Michael Broomhead
Published 6th Sep 2020, 12:30 BST
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His daughter Nikki Trueman, 45, and eight-year-old granddaughter Erin are walking 30 miles during September to raise money for Dementia UK – while his other granddaughter, Georgia, is asking people to donate to the charity for her 17th birthday rather than giving her gifts.

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Seventy-year-old Ernie – who is the Spireites' record goalscorer with 191 goals over three spells at the club – suffers from a rare form of dementia called Pick’s Disease.

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Nikki Trueman and her dad Ernie Moss.Nikki Trueman and her dad Ernie Moss.
Nikki Trueman and her dad Ernie Moss.

His family believe his dementia was caused by him heading old heavy leather footballs during his career and have long campaigned for more research to be done into the links between the beautiful game and the cruel condition.

Nikki said: “We’ve raised over £700 so far for Dementia UK, which is such an important charity.

“The money will go towards funding vital research into dementia, and we’d like to thank everyone who’s been so generous and donated.”

As reported by us in May, Ernie tested positive for Covid-19 after experiencing a high temperature at his care home.

Erin, Ernie's granddaughter.Erin, Ernie's granddaughter.
Erin, Ernie's granddaughter.

Nikki said: “He’s doing well.

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“We go and see him every week but we can’t go into the home – this is really difficult but we’re just pleased we can see him.

“We stand at the window and wave and have a chat – he grins a lot.

“I can’t wait for the moment when I can go inside and give him a cuddle and a kiss.

Ernie with his granddaughter Georgia.Ernie with his granddaughter Georgia.
Ernie with his granddaughter Georgia.

“He had very long lockdown hair – he was looking like a member of Oasis! – but he’s had it cut now and he’s looking good.”

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Ernie made 749 appearances for nine different clubs during his career in the 60s, 70s and 80s.

The Spireites’ legend, who has a road named after him near the Technique Stadium, first showed signs of dementia in his 50s.

If you would like to support Ernie’s family and donate to Dementia UK, visit https://bit.ly/2Z6G9V4 and https://bit.ly/3h2QKGO.

Ernie is Chesterfield FC's record goalscorer with 191 goals over three spells.Ernie is Chesterfield FC's record goalscorer with 191 goals over three spells.
Ernie is Chesterfield FC's record goalscorer with 191 goals over three spells.

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