Memorial Service In City

Stars To Honour Football Legend

South Wales Evening Post - March 06 2004

Football legend John Charles will be honoured at a national memorial service in his home city of Swansea. The service is expected to be attended by some of the most famous names in football, including former team-mates from the 1958 World Cup, representatives of his former clubs and modern day stars. Leading politicians and media personalities are also being invited to the ceremony at the Brangwyn Hall on Monday, April 19. Several leading guests have been invited to speak and honour the former Wales and Juventus star. No names are being revealed. But it is thought likely Bobby Robson and Sir Alex Ferguson may well be among the people to attend. First Minister Rhodri Morgan has already said he will be going. Members of the public will also be given the opportunity to join the ceremony under plans to be announced next week. John Charles's widow Glenda will present her late husband's ashes to the city of Swansea. She said: ''John was a fiercely proud Welshman. I want his final resting place to be at home in Swansea. ''I am honoured the city of Swansea is hosting the national memorial service to celebrate John's life. ''It will be a fitting tribute and offer many people the chance to attend and remember John." Lord Mayor of Swansea Lawrence Bailey said: "John Charles is one of Swansea's most famous sons. The city is honoured to stage the national memorial service for John Charles. "He was loved and respected wherever he went. He was also a proud Welshman and proud of his Swansea roots. "It is fitting that Swansea, where John was born and began and ended his career, will host this celebration of his life." A nationwide fund-raising campaign has also been launched to create a lasting memorial to John. An inspirational statue of the Gentle Giant is expected to be erected at the £24 million White Rock Stadium, the new home of football and rugby in Swansea. The campaign will help fund the memorial and an international touring exhibtion chronicling the career of the Swansea-born star. Swansea Council and the South Wales Evening Post have launched the campaign by each pledging £5,000. The fund-raising is being co-ordinated through the Gentle Giant Trust, which was set up nearly two years ago and is putting together the touring exhibition. John Charles became patron of the trust and it continues to be supported by his wife Glenda and their family. The Charles family have supported the move to have a lasting memorial to the former Wales and Juventus star in his home city. The exhibition is called the Gentle Giant, after the nickname given him by adoring Italian fans, and will honour his remarkable career. The collection of film, audio and memorabilia will be housed in a stadium set which will be taken across the country and possibly abroad.

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