Building a legacy celebrating Duncan Edwards Day

What a fabulous summer we’ve had.

Starting back in May when the country celebrated the wedding of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, I was fortunate to be there to see for myself the wonderful spectacle of a royal wedding. Truly a day to be proud to be British.

This pride remained when our boys did their best in Russia and nearly – very nearly - bought that silverware home.

Russia 2018 instilled a sense of pride in the nation that we hadn’t seen for a long time and those games certainly left us gripped. Well done boys – next time!

Now that glorious sunshine has left us, the leaves are falling and the nights getting shorter, it’s time to turn my attention to the first ever Duncan Edwards Day, which falls today.

Today would have been the footballer’s 82nd birthday and is being marked by a series of events in Dudley Market place including a Black Country Radio road show, free giveaways and football free styler Ewan Baggott.

It will end in a Black Country variety show at the Station Hotel in Dudley.

Duncan Edwards grew up in Dudley and was a star footballer with a promising career at Manchester United.

He was one of eight players who died as a result of the Munich air disaster.

Acts from across the Black Country, including Sedgley singer Jenny Jones who appeared on Will-i-am’s team on BBC’s The Voice, Black Country wench Marlene Watson, Stars In Their Eyes finalist Christopher Nott, Chris Passey who headed the Josh Groban choir on his 2016 tour, Tipton singer Gary Sawyer and the choir from Priory Primary school make up this outstanding line-up.

A special appearance from TV impressionist Christopher Gee will certainly make this a night to remember.

Proceeds from the night will go to the Duncan Edwards Foundation.

The aim of the foundation is to help children in the Black Country with a great sporting ability but who cannot afford their kit, training or travelling expenses.

We want to help as many children achieve their dreams the way that Duncan did. We also have the Duncan Edwards Good Citizen award scheme. Recognising people in our community who go that extra mile to help others in their schools, streets or organisations. Perhaps you know someone who deserves some recognition for being a good citizen?

If so, please get in touch.

We are also building a garden of dreams at the Priory primary in Dudley – a place that Duncan loved and the place that the foundations were laid for his illustrious but all too short career.

We are determined to keep our promise made to Duncan’s mum to keep her beloved son’s memory alive.

Join us and let’s keep that pride going.

• Rose Monk launched the Duncan Edwards Foundation. She can be contacted on rose@duncanedwards.co.uk for more.