A GRANDAD in his 80s has gone viral on social media with a heart-warming walking football tale.
Gerald Silcock, 83, of Wombwell, recently joined Wombwell Main FC’s walking football team – after tragically losing his wife, Phyllis, in March.
Gerald and Phyllis were married for 62 years, building a family of loving children, grandchildren and even great-grandchildren.
Physical activity is a cornerstone of Gerald’s life, with him still going to the gym and having played football since the age of seven.
Despite being relatively new to the club, Gerald quickly fit in, making friends quickly.
Joining the team helped Gerald to process the grief of losing his wife, thanks to the camaraderie of his team-mates.
Heart-warming walking football tale from Grandad Gerald
Gerald said: “It was my wife’s idea to join.
“I had heard about walking football in Wombwell. As a tribute, I thought ‘I’ll go up and have a go’.
“They’ve taken me out of my comfort zone. The camaraderie and enjoyment was instant. It’s changed my life. I didn’t think I’d have anything to look forward to. I’m a very lucky man.
“I’d recommend anyone my age who’s reasonably fit to come out and give it a try.”
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Gerald took part in a simple video interview, talking about his grief and what the team meant to him – which was posted to Wombwell Main’s Facebook page.
It didn’t take long before a flurry of likes and then comments flooded in, with people online being touched by Gerald’s moving story.
After the video’s success on Facebook, the club decided to post it on the social media platform TikTok.
Amazingly, the video went viral, and has currently attracted more than 87,000 likes, 800 comments and half a million views.
The club plans to film a follow-up interview to thank viewers for their overwhelming response to Gerald’s video.
Gerald was shocked by the number of people interested in his story, wishing he could respond to every comment.
Commenters praised Gerald’s positive outlook, with social media users even writing to his granddaughter, Amy, to pass on their own stories.
She said: “A lot of people on TikTok are saying that my grandad is the nation’s grandad.
“He’s managed to get more views than I ever have, so I’m a little bit jealous.
“He calls it ‘TickTick’, I’m going to help him download it so he can see the video.
“Since grandma died, he’s doing his best to look after us.
“I’m so proud of him.”
WATCH THE VIRAL CLIP HERE: https://www.facebook.com/reel/1307774683905297
Source: https://www.barnsleychronicle.com/article/33592/grandad-gerald-goes-viral-with-heart-warming-tale
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Author: The Walking Football
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