Charlton spent three months in care home as tragic details of his decline emerge

01 November 2023 , 14:03

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Charlton spent three months in care home as tragic details of his decline emerge

Sir Bobby Charlton spent the last three months of his life living at the Willows care home as he battled dementia, an inquest into his tragic death was told.

Charlton, a Manchester United legend who also won the World Cup with England in 1966, died last month at the age of 86 following an accidental fall. At the inquest, a statement from Charlton's widow Lady Norma said the footballer had been living at the care home since July and was receiving respite care.

Care home manager Tamara Simmons told the court that he "needed support with all aspects of daily living". Charlton was also described as "unsteady on his feet, especially when standing from a seated position" as a result of his dementia.

The court was told that his bed was also as low down as possible with mats and motion sensors surrounding it over fears that Charlton's restlessness could lead to him falling. Senior coroner Jacqueline Devonish ruled his death as accidental after he suffered a fall at the care home on October 16.

Charlton lost his balance as he stood up from a chair and struck a windowsill and "possibly a radiator" as he fell. Care home staff performed a full body check, but did not find any visible injuries immediately after the fall.

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However, Charlton was later taken to Macclesfield General Hospital after swelling was discovered on his back and it was found that he had fractured his ribs. The decision was then made to put him on end-of-life care and Charlton passed away five days later.

The coroner recorded: "Retired Manchester United legendary footballer Sir Bobby Charlton was admitted to Macclesfield Hospital at the age of 86 following a fall at his care home on 16 October 2023.

Sir Bobby Charlton tragically died after an accidental fall at a care home (Getty Images)

"He sustained rib fractures as he stood up and fell against a window sill due to being unsteady on his feet. He had resided at The Willows since July 2023 initially for respite and last two months of life.

"He continued to mobilise as usual following the fall until it was noted that he had swelling to his back. He was examined by the home's GP and transported to hospital where he was placed on end of life care and sadly passed away on 21 October 2023 at 03:50 hours."

A memorial service to celebrate Charlton's life is set to be held at Manchester Cathedral on November 13, with a procession to the cathedral due to go past Old Trafford "for a moment of reflection and provide an opportunity for fans to say a final farewell to a true Manchester United legend".

Matthew Cooper