West Ham legend Bobby Moore OBE was remembered in a series of commemorative events to mark the 20th anniversary of his death.
A claret and blue wreath was laid during a special memorial service yesterday at the foot of the Champions statue on Barking Road.
Born in Barking, Bobby’s talent was discovered while he played in Flanders Field in East Ham.
He lost his battle with bowel cancer on February 23 1993 at the age of 51 and his widow Stefanie set up the Bobby Moore Fund which has raised around £20m to combat the disease to date.
Hammers joint chairman David Gold also paid tribute with Bobby’s former team mate Martin Peters by laying a floral shirt bearing the famous number six which has been retired by the club.
Bobby’s daughter, Roberta, and granddaughters, Poppy and Ava, were also present at the service.
West Ham United chaplain the Rev Alan Bolding conducted a short service followed by a period of silence, and a rendition of Bubbles.
Newham Mayor Sir Robin Wales, who laid the wreath on behalf of the people of Newham, said: “The Champions sculpture has Bobby on the shoulders of England team-mates with the World Cup in his hand.
“That is a reminder to us that he is still above the rest. No wonder Pele described him as the greatest defender of all time.
“This is the 20th anniversary of Bobby’s passing and football has changed so much in that time.
“The principle of good sportsmanship that he embodied is badly needed today.”
On Saturday, fans also gave a rousing welcome to inspirational 11-year-old Jonjo Heuerman who arrived at the Champions statue after a three-day return journey walking from the Boleyn ground to Wembley Stadium.
Jonjo, a huge West Ham fan, was honoured at Downing Street last year after winning National Young Campaigner for his dedication to fundraising for the Bobby Moore Fund.
He has also embarked on an elaborate ‘Big Tag’ challenge, asking fans of all 92 league clubs to join up to 10 tag team routes, wearing an armband in their club’s colours.
To date, Jonjo has raised £92,000 for the charity in memory of the Hammers legend and his grandmother Lyn, who also died of bowel cancer in 2011.
To get involved or to donate, visit www.justgiving.com/fornannyandbobby or www.fornannyandbobby.moonfruit.com.
To find out more about the disease, visit www.smallc.org.uk/bowel.
A number of tributes will be paid to Bobby Moore at tonight’s West Ham vs Tottenham Hotspur match in Upton Park.
The team will be led out by Bobby Moore’s grandchildren and players from the 1964 FA Cup team and the 1965 European Cup Winners’ Cup will also pay tribute.
See the Newham Recorder, out on Wednesday, for full coverage and pictures.
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