He lives near the Coventry housing scheme and was invited by
manager Marion Cooper to be part of the celebrations, which also
involved a tabletop magician, comedian David St John, Irish
dancing, and plenty of activities and games in the new room.
Mr Moorcroft complimented Humber Court's extension. "I'm
delighted the emphasis is on an activity room," he said. "You
should stay as active as you can because being active is great. You
do look really fit and healthy, so I hope you are able to use the
room and really enjoy those activities."
Mr Moorcroft is a former long and middle distance runner who
grew up in Tile Hill. He has won gold medals for the in the 1978
and 1982 Commonwealth Games, first for the 1,500m and later for the
5,000m. He still holds the British record for the fastest time in
the 3,000m.
Marion praised staff and residents for their patience while the
new room was built. "Thank you for everything you've done," she
said, explaining that all of Humber Court's cooking had to be done
in a portakabin while the work was being completed. "Most of all
I'd like to thank the people who live here, and say that I'm so
pleased that it's finally done, because this is going to make your
lives so much better."
Regional Manager Louise Bradish also attended the event. She
said: "I know she would never thank herself, but I'd like to thank
Marion for all her hard work. She's dealt with some obstacles here
and she's done really well."
As well as watching several performances, residents were invited
to take part in a treasure hunt, play the buzz off game, enter a
photographic competition, and enjoy Humber Court's personalised
floor toss game.
The event was planned as part of The ExtraCare Charitable
Trust's Olympic Challenge, which includes all 29 retirement
villages and schemes across the country. Residents and staff are
attempting to cover 25,000 miles (the circumference of the globe)
using various activities such as running and rowing before the
start of the Olympic Games next year.
Non-physical activities are also being planned to allow all
residents to get into the spirit of the Games.
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See more pictures on Flickr!
For further information, please contact:
Lucy Henson, PR officer
0789 105 3062
lucy.henson@extracare.org.uk