John Hewie in need of help

Very sad indeed.

I remember reading in the programme a few years back that he lives in Lincolnshire and wondered why he hasn't visited The Valley, having played 500 odd games, in recent years like some other players.

I hope they reach the decision that is best for John and his happiness.

Very sad story. One of Charlton's greats from a seemingly different era. Let's hope it all works out for the best.

Extremely sad especially... He played international football for Scotland but cannot even remember playing the game now.

You may not be able to remember playing the Game but there are certainly a good number of fans who do remember you playing... All the best John

Very sad.

A few months ago I had an email forwarded to me by WWtone from the Lincoln Citizens' Advice Bureau saying that someone called John Hewie and claiming to be a former Charlton player had come in asking for help and could I do anything.

I was at a total loss but spoke to Mick Everett at the Club who contacted the PFA. That was on a Wednesday. By Friday the PFA had him and his wife in a care home. Can't praise the PFA and especially Mickey Bennett who took a special interest in the case as another former Addick enough.

His wife, who had serious care needs, sadly died not long after.

From my own experience with my parents the social care system and its funding is very complicated and it may well be that while John required one type of care his wife required full nursing care. Her death may have complicated the issue around moving but I hope the PFA are still on the case.

I don't remember seeing John play although I may have as a very young boy but he was a favourite of my dad's so I was very pleased to have done something, very minor, to have helped him.

Long John's Scotland shirt now held in the Charlton Athletic Museum

paulie8290 said:

“He wants to be closer to his remaining family and Lincoln is perfect for my niece Samantha, who lives in Spalding, and myself.

Read more: http://www.bostontarget.co.uk/Fight-Scotland-Charlton-football-star-battling/story-22017436-detail/story.html#ixzz3935ZtBW2

I don't understand that comment, having lived in Lincolnshire for 4 years, Including both Spalding and Boston, I don't see how Lincoln is better for his neice than where he is ATM as Boston is 25-30 minutes away from Spalding.

But very sad to hear that he is struggling like this, good luck John the Charlton Family is thinking about you

Care provision in Lincolnshire is split between the north and south and has different care providers (don't ask) so it maybe an issue about which from one region to another and who takes on the cost.

This is a serious suggestion, though I realise that given the circumstances it could look a little lame. There is some evidence that playing music to dementia patients can cave a positive effect. If by chance any of John's carers or relatives see this, could you try playing The Red Red Robin or perhaps Flower of Scotland to him in the hope that it, albeit fleetingly, revives memories of his once great days.

Stig said:

This is a serious suggestion, though I realise that given the circumstances it could look a little lame. There is some evidence that playing music to dementia patients can cave a positive effect. If by chance any of John's carers or relatives see this, could you try playing The Red Red Robin or perhaps Flower of Scotland to him in the hope that it, albeit fleetingly, revives memories of his once great days.

Flower of Scotland wasn't written when John played but a good idea with RRR or maybe Scotland the Brave

Sad to hear the news about John, but pleased that the PFA and Mickey Bennett are on the case and can help John regarding the move. Dementia is a horrible disease.

My nan and granddad lived in Floyd Road back in the 40's through to the 60's. They knew John and his wife who I think lived in of the club houses in Harvey Gardens. One of my mums favourite players along with Stuart Leary.

Henry Irving said:

Stig said:

This is a serious suggestion, though I realise that given the circumstances it could look a little lame. There is some evidence that playing music to dementia patients can cave a positive effect. If by chance any of John's carers or relatives see this, could you try playing The Red Red Robin or perhaps Flower of Scotland to him in the hope that it, albeit fleetingly, revives memories of his once great days.

Stig, didn't we send some photos?

We did. There was someone else involved as well but my memory has gone.



"

RE: the music idea. Some years ago my mother suffered serious dementia and eventually had to be cared for in a home. The only times she showed any sign of remembering 'the outside world' was when we visited and my daughter played old songs and tunes for her on the home's piano, she even remembered some of the words: that's proof enough for me that it can work. Unfortunately most homes seem to think that leaving the TV on all day is enough.

paulie8290 said:

“He wants to be closer to his remaining family and Lincoln is perfect for my niece Samantha, who lives in Spalding, and myself.

Read more: http://www.bostontarget.co.uk/Fight-Scotland-Charlton-football-star-battling/story-22017436-detail/story.html#ixzz3935ZtBW2

I don't understand that comment, having lived in Lincolnshire for 4 years, Including both Spalding and Boston, I don't see how Lincoln is better for his neice than where he is ATM as Boston is 25-30 minutes away from Spalding.

But very sad to hear that he is struggling like this, good luck John the Charlton Family is thinking about you

I

Its about whatever makes them happier

All the very best John. Played in the first match I ever saw at the Valley in January 1962. Wonderful, versatile player. I hope everything works out for John and his family.

Airman Brown said:

Posted my 1998 VOTV interview with John here.

It's interesting that that article from 1998 ends up by stating that he should be in the Hall of Fame. Surely a good shout for a 2015 inductee.