Hayley McQueen's tribute to dad Gordon after "unimaginably sad" dementia battle
Hayley McQueen has paid a heartbreaking tribute to her dad Gordon after his death at the age of 70 following a battle with dementia.
Gordon McQueen played centre-back for Leeds and Manchester United during a coveted career in which he also represented his nation, Scotland.
His daughter Hayley, a Sky Sports News presenter, confirmed her father's passing in a heartfelt message on Instagram in which she opened up on Gordon's "unimaginably sad" battle with dementia.
Hayley bravely wrote: "Dad. Beyond heartbroken to announce we have lost our wonderful dad, I thought when the day came I'd be prepared and feel a sense of relief that he is no longer trying to battle this awful disease but I just feel numb.
"I'm hoping we can now remember him for the man he was and not the man he became these last few years.
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"We thought we were losing him when home palliative care came to look after him back in December, we were distraught but being the big strong man that he is, battled on for many months.
"Whilst it's been unimaginably sad and at times unbearable for my mum who has cared for him at home we've had precious time with him whilst this cruel disease and all that comes with it completely took over, he certainly put up a fight.
"One comfort was he knew all his friends and family right till the end but to watch someone slowly die I wouldn't wish on anyone.
"I now want to remember my Dad for the man he was, the ultimate entertainer, the life and soul of every occasion, the greatest storyteller who certainly lived life to the full, he made sure everything was one big adventure and full of so much fun for me, Anna and Eddie.
Hayley shared the picture of her family on Instagram (mcqueenhayley/Instagram)"His career gave me one too and I will be forever grateful for him passing on so much of who is and what he loved. Life really won’t be the same without him but he is now at peace.
"(A big thanks to my employers Sky Sports who have been incredible throughout this and for all the time off and support they've given me this last year or so)."
McQueen's former clubs Man United and Leeds also paid tribute to the ex-defender, with a spokesperson for the Red Devils writing on Twitter: "Everyone at Manchester United is heartbroken by the loss of our beloved former defender, Gordon McQueen. Our love and condolences are with his family at this terribly sad time."
Leeds' official Twitter account posted: "The thoughts of everyone at Leeds United are with Gordon's wife Yvonne, daughters Hayley and Anna, son Eddie and grandchildren Rudi, Etta and Ayla, along with his friends at this time."
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