More on KentOnline
More on KentOnline
The family of an Olympic silver medallist will walk 50km in one day to raise money for a care home.
Robert Denness, of Seaton Road, Gillingham, will take on the feat alongside his family in aid of Amherst Court, Chatham, which cares for his grandad, Paul Nihill MBE.
Rob, his fiancée Scarlett, his mum Clare and his brother Lee will set off at 5am for the 12 hour-long trek on Sunday.
They aim to collect £1,000 for the home and at the time of writing they had raised £930.
Robert, 32, said: "Care homes have been badly affected this year from Covid-19 with many residents feeling lonely, increased mental health issues and sadly, loss of life in some cases.
"Amherst Court has been responsible for the care of my grandad and others who are living with dementia.
"They have been so incredible with the opportunities they provide to the residents, especially during this troubling year.
"They provide exercise, signing classes, baking, painting, cocktail making, yoga –which are just small examples of how they keep the residents entertained.
"They also host live video calls so families and residents can see loved ones.
"We want to walk for grandad and his care home by taking part in a 50km race walk in a day. Paul achieved this in an amazing four hours 11 minutes.
Paul, who lives with dementia, is a resident at the specialist care home in Palmerston Road.
He represented the UK in the 1964 Tokyo Olympics were he finished second, and in 1976 was made an MBE for his services to sport.
Despite retiring in 2008 and having many ups and downs in his battle with the disease, Paul has walked the Medway Mile for years since.
However, his condition has recently taken a turn for the worst, spurring his family on to help raise vital funds for the home.
If restrictions allow them on the day, Paul will join his family to complete the final mile of the walk.
Robert continued: "At Amherst Court our family would help train him performing laps round his care home.
"Due to his competitiveness he was always determined to train despite his deteriorating physical condition.
"He has been a role model to so many people and inspiration for young people to get involved in athletics.
"Every little helps and the family would really appreciate any kind of donation."
To make a donation, visit their GoFundMe page here.
