'Stan gave his all to the game and I promised I'd support the fight against dementia in his name'

Don Shanks on pal

- David Pilditch

HE was one of English football's greatest mavericks, whose dazzling skills created golden memories for generations of fans.

Yet when he died last year aged 75 after battling Alzheimer's disease, Stan Bowles did not even know his own name.

Now the charismatic former England star's best friend is preparing to take on a gruelling challenge in his honour.

Tomorrow, Stan's friends and family will be cheering on as his former QPR teammate Don Shanks tackles the New York marathon in a bid to raise £100,000 to help tackle dementia.

Don, 73, says: "This cause is deeply personal to me. Stan gave everything to the game and I promised I would keep supporting the fight against dementia in his name.

It's a big challenge.

"I might be able to jog all the way, I don't know. If my knee gives way I'll just have to walk, it's as simple as that, but hopefully I'll get through." Seven years ago Don, a full-back who also played for Brighton and Hove Albion and Luton Town, ran his first marathon in New York and helped raise £50,000 for Stan's medical care.

He says: "Stan has gone, but Alzheimer's has not. That's what's driving me to do this again.

"In 2018, I ran it in four hours, 11 minutes and 33 seconds - not bad for a 66-year-old.