n Nothing is too much trouble for devoted 81-year-old

by Jenni Horn

jhorn@thekmgroup.co.uk

A PENSIONER who dedicates his life to helping others has been nominated for a Pride in Medway award.

Widower Cecil Giles is the sole carer of his 44-year-old daughter Lynn, who has cerebral palsy. Lynn is in a wheelchair, is partially sighted and has learning difficulties but Cecil makes sure she does not miss out on anything in life.

He takes her to the Cerebral Palsy Care Centre in Cliffe Woods three times a week so she can attend a life skills group or the day centre.

Lynn also attends lots of functions at the centre and loves to go to the theatre and play bingo. Despite his busy schedule, Cecil, 81, of Roffen Road, Rochester, also finds time to make marmalade, cakes, pickled onions and red cabbage, which he sells to raise much-needed funds for the care centre.

Award

He also helps to take care of a widowed neighbour by taking her shopping each week and is always there if she needs him.

Cecil has been nominated for a good carer award by Christine Maynard, of Downs View, Burham.

Christine, 63, works at the care centre and has known Cecil and Lynn for almost six years.

She said: "Cecil always thinks of other people. Nothing is too much trouble for his daughter or for anybody else. He has always got time for other people and never seems to do anything for himself.

"Cecil could go home, put his feet up and have a well-deserved rest, but he doesn't. He is always prepared to muck in at the CPC Centre and help with fund-raising.

"Cecil is such a lovely man, I would love him to get an award to let him know how highly he is thought of, not only by me but by everyone who knows him.

"I would give him the world if I could."

The eighth Pride in Medway awards are sponsored by the Medway Messenger, mhs homes, the University of Kent and Medway Council.

Nominations have now closed at the presentations will be made at a gala ceremony on March 20.