The Chairman of the Burton Multiple Sclerosis Branch has completed his mission of getting signatures from each member of the English 11 that won the 1966 World Cup after meeting Sir Bobby Charlton.
Howard Bond, an avid stamp collector, had been trying to get each member of the team to sign his 1966 first day cover and had been successful in finding ten of the 11. Charlton, guest of honour at the Game of Remembrance played at the Pirelli Stadium on Wednesday, signed the cover to complete the team.Charlton, 79, made over 750 appearances for Manchester United and started in midfield as England overcame a strong German side to claim the nation’s sole World Cup to date. Bond said that he was thrilled to have completed his goal, and that the stamp will now go to a good cause.
“It is my intention to auction the cover off and the proceeds will do the Burton MS Branch.
“The Burton MS Branch looks after people with Multiple Sclerosis within the Burton and District area. We give out grants to those who need help and also organise functions, such as barbeques, to try to help people who are suffering with MS to enjoy life."
When asked how it felt to have finally received Charlton’s signature Bond said: “It is fantastic, I am really, really proud, and because I am Chairman of the Burton MS Branch, I know how much the money will help.
“Hopefully, if we can get the right sale, or the right kind of window to sell it, then it is a fantastic bit of memorabilia.”
The signing took place before the Game of Remembrance, which saw the British Army and the German Armed Forces compete at the Pirelli Stadium with all proceeds going to Charity.