Sadly, both my Grandad (Paul Nhill MBE) and Laurence Plummer (Plum) died in the pandemic of covid! Grandad and Plum were an inspiration to so many people and together wanted young children to achieve in Sport.

Grandad - Paul Nihill MBE

Words can’t describe how much my grandad inspired me to be the person I am today! My sporting abilities and career has been massively down to my grandad’s success! I was fortunate enough to be inspired and brought up to such a positive role model. He was a four-time Olympian competing in Race Walking with his biggest achievements being at the 1964 Tokyo Games in the 50km Race walk winning a silver medal for GB. His other major honour being rewarded MBE by the queen for his services in athletics! I was fortunate to experience wearing his medals, listening to his biggest achievements and being supportive by him at sporting events. I developed his resilience and motivation to succeed! He was so proud of me for everything I achieved. I’m no longer sad as I know I have a bit of him inside me which I will share when I become a first-time dad in January 22!!

He always supported children and getting them into walking and sport – I will ensure his legacy continues! Legend to many Paul Nihill.

Laurence Plummer

He was known as Plum to most! He was the man behind the rise of Holland and Blair from Medway park football to the SCEFL Premier.

My time at Hollands and Blair (being around 4 years) with Plum was the best football years in my playing career! Plum was always willing to put the club and others first. Blair was always a family to Plum and I’ve never experienced togetherness like it at any club I’ve been at and this was down to Plum! He worked tirelessly hard off the pitch for the club and supported me massively as a player and off the pitch! Plum’s legacy will continue after ‘The Laurence Plummer Foundation’ was launched which supports disadvantaged young people get in to sport, to offer resources, support and opportunities to the underprivileged youth in our community. We’ll be operating in the fields of sport and recreation, so that disadvantaged children and young adults can have the chance to take on opportunities to realise their full potential.

Both my Grandad and Plum’s legacy will continue!

I have inspiration from both my Grandad and Plum to raise money on their behalf for the charity.

The challenge?

I will be completing a 50km run around Medway which was inspired by my grandad’s race walk in 1964 Tokyo games where he won silver medallist in a time of 4:11:31 seconds!!!! Pace of 8.05 per mile!!!!

Last year I completed this with Scarlett (my Fiancée) and my family where we walked 50km. We decided last year to raise money for my grandad and his care home (dementia residents) after the trumatic year they’ve had not having visitors. We raised 2.5k to buy them Christmas presents. Sadly, during our training grandad caught covid so could not be at the finish line to see us come in. The day after the challenge my Mum was informed that he was going to die. Due to covid rules I was unable to say goodbye in person but over the phone. What a true legend he was fighting covid on the day of our race to be with us in sprit so that we could finish the 50km walk.

This time round I will attempt to run it. The challenge will be on Saturday 11th December. I will finish the 50km at Hollands and Blair Football club where I will be having a beer watching Blair vs K Sports at 3pm.

Details of challenge:

Saturday 11th December

Start time: 10am

Finish time: 2.30 -2.45pm at Hollands and Blair FC

I would really appreciate any support!! For more information about 'The Laurence Plummer Foundation visit: https://www.facebook.com/thelaurenceplummerfoundation

Rob