CELTIC legend Billy McNeill’s family last night revealed he is battling dementia.

The stricken Lisbon Lions hero has been robbed of his speech by the degenerative brain illness.

2 Billy, 76, is battling dementia, his family have confirmed Credit: News Group Newspapers Ltd

2 The Celtic hero was part of the famous Lisbon Lions side who became the first British club to win the European Cup Credit: Scottish News and Sport

Billy, 76, is now being cared for at his home in Newton Mearns, Glasgow, by devoted wife Liz, 73.

She said: “We just live day by day.”

The legend was diagnosed after he begged his wife for answers as he realised his memory was failing — pleading: “Is there something wrong with me?”

But his face still lights up as he walks into Celtic Park - and when he's feeling strong enough he takes his seat in the directors' box to watch his beloved team in action.

Alzheimer Scotland offers a range of specialist services to fight dementia.

The charity helps patients and loved ones adapt to life with the memory disease.

And it campaigns for better rights for families affected by the illness.

Dementia can affect every aspect of human thinking, feeling and behaviour.

But each person’s symptoms depend on which area of their brain is damaged.

Donations are crucial to enable the charity to provide a network of advisors and nurses across Scotland, as well as an expert research HQ in Edinburgh.

They also fund a 24-hour free helpline on 0808 808 3000. Visit www.alzscot.org for info and to pledge cash.

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