The death of Manchester United icon Denis Law at the age of 84 was confirmed on Friday, sparking tributes from within the football community and beyond.
Much of the tribute has focused on his goals for United – and with good reason. Law scored 237 goals in 404 appearances for the Red Devils and is still the club's third highest goalscorer of all time, behind Wayne Rooney and Sir Bobby Charlton.
But Law also had to endure setbacks in his life, especially after he revealed in August 2021 that he had been diagnosed with vascular dementia and Alzheimer's disease.
It will come as no surprise that Law rose to the challenge with the same courage he showed on the football field. But the degenerative brain disease took its toll on Law, and in March 2023 he bravely shared how his wife, Diana, had come to his rescue when he needed her most.
Denis and Diana have worked together to deal with dementia as part of an Alzheimer's Society campaign and released a joint testimonial which read: 'When you get married, you can never imagine that decades after taking those vows you'll be living with 'illness and health' will ultimately end up testing them to the limit with dementia.
'We tackle everything together. But living with dementia means that Diana now has to take a little more responsibility, although of course we still come as a team. It's a change for both of us.
'It shows that dementia can affect anyone, no matter who you are.
'I am extremely lucky to have had such a great career in football. Not many people have had the experiences I've had – including winning the World Cup! I have received so much love from the audience.'
Denis and Diana tied the knot in December 1962 – the same year he joined United – and had five children together.
Six decades after their marriage, Diana was still by Denis' side to give him the care he needed during his heartbreaking battle.
But Denis did not sit there feeling sorry for himself. He had seen his former teammate Nobby Stiles pass away after a battle with dementia in 2020, while another United legend Charlton also passed away in 2023 after his own dementia diagnosis.
Denis was candid about the challenges he faced once he was diagnosed with the disease.
“This will not be an easy journey, especially for the people who love you most,” he said. “I know that the road ahead will be difficult, demanding, painful and constantly changing, and therefore ask for your understanding and patience.
'I recognize how my brain deteriorates and how my memory evades me when I don't want it to, and how this causes me stress in situations I have no control over.
'I understand what is happening and that is why I want to address my situation now while I still can. Because I know there will be days when I don't understand, and I hate the thought of that right now.”
Diana confirmed Denis' worst fears in 2023 when she revealed he could no longer remember his past exploits.
The sad reality of Denis' final years was laid bare, but he more than made up for it in his brilliant playing career.
Helping United to their first European Cup and also win two league titles under Sir Matt Busby, Denis was instrumental in putting the club on the map.
Add to that the fact that he remains the only Scot to win the Ballon d'Or, and it's clear why he's adored by fans around the world.
He was the last surviving member of the United Trinity, which also included Charlton and George Best.
But his legacy will live on, with a statue of the trio erected outside Old Trafford, a reminder of exactly what Denis achieved before his battle with dementia.
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