Amherst Court

Care homes have been badly affected this year from COVID-19 with many residents feeling lonely, increased mental health issues and sadly losing their lives!

Amherst Court have been responsible for the care of my grandad (Paul Nihill MBE) and others who are living with dementia. They have always been so incredible with the opportunities they provide to the residents, especially during this troubling year which these include exercise and dance, singing classes, baking cakes for remembrance day, painting, halloween mocktails and yoga are just a small list of examples they keep the residents brain's stimulated, all of which we have seen from photos being uploaded on social media.

It has given us reassurance that Grandad is in the best care possible during the COVID-19 outbreak, specifically now as he is speech and brain are rapidly deteriorating and despite not being able to see him they organise families to book in live video calls.

About Paul

Paul Nihill MBE was a British race walker, the first GB athlete to win a medal at the Olympics in 1964 - Tokyo. Despite retiring, Paul has walked the Medway Mile for years since and normally trains by lapping around the care home preparing for the race all year. Unfortunately, due to his mental/physical state this is not possible anymore.

50km Race Walk Challenge

We want to walk for him and the care home by taking part in a 50km walk in a day - Pauls Silver medalist time in Tokyo was 4 hours 11 minutes. Wow!!

Myself, Scarlett, Mum, Dad, Lee, Alyshea, Marc & Jodie will be walking on Sunday 13th December 2020 starting at 6am! We are hoping that Paul (Grandad) joins us for the last mile :)

We have decided to help support and raise funds for Amherst Court for a few reasons:

1) Residents deserve a great christmas providing them with some lovely gifts or future experiences/activities to make them smile!

2) The staff at the home are amazing - providing the most outstanding care and working in an extremely stressful and vulnerable environment for the past year - They deserve our support!!

3) Lack of support for care homes in the past months

4) Continue Paul's commitment to race walking and help share his inspirational story

Please join our family to support such a great Care Home!