I would like to nominate my 96 year old (nearly 97!) Dad, Robbie Clark, under Category 3 - Best Older Person's Champion in the Media.
Robbie's case this year has captured the hearts of the British Public and his personal struggle has been a symbol and a ray of hope for other elderly people who are facing the same issue - namely their personal desire and individual decision to live the rest of their days in the comfort of their own home, and not being forced against their will into Residential Care as a result of Local Government policies and lack of support.
Robbie is a Second World War hero, having survived the dramatic 'Death March' between January to April 1945, walking, with a German rifle pointed at his back, over a 1000 miles without a food supply during the coldest of winters in Poland. Many thousands of British and Allied prisoners died on the March. Robbie survived through his personal will power and determination - he did not want to 'die on foreign soil'.
This part of Robbie's story was featured in a BBC News report in January this year -http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-london-30926964
Now, Robbie has been facing his latest battle - his battle to stay in his home for the rest of his life. Robbie has unfortunately plenty of care and nursing needs now, and has to have 24/7 care. Robbie simply has chosen to have this care in his own home and for the past three years, he has employed dedicated live in carers who provide the best care for him. Robbie has now used all his life savings to pay for the cost of this care, without any financial support from his local Council, Brent Council. Brent Council will only offer funding for his 24/7 care if Robbie goes into Residential or Nursing Care - this is their preferred option as it offers better 'value for money'.
The case was featured in the Daily Express in January and as result a national petition was started - 'Save Robbie Clark from Eviction' - , which eventually reached 187000 signatures in April. The petition was also highlighting the predicament of other elderly and vulnerable people who wish to be cared for at home.
The national media picked this up and Robbie was able to passionately represent his wishes and individual choice - he was featured in all the national newspapers and national as well as local TV reports - here is an example from RT News UK report - youtu.be/2UUCvG4Iu-Y
All this happened over a space of a few days and Robbie took this challenge of being an Older Persons Champion in the Media with determination and gusto - just like the way he survived his Prisoner of War experiences.
This publicity led to a national debate on social media and on radio stations 'phone ins' about elderly care issues and funding at the time of the run up to the General Election.
As a postscript to this story, the British Public have stepped in and supported Robbie with funding through Help For Heroes and Honour Our Forces - this is providing temporary financial relief for Robbie to continue to have the best care at home while the debate with Brent Council progresses.
Robbie has been humbled by this support from the public and is appreciative and very grateful.
Please vote for Robbie - your vote will also help to highlight the practical and day to day issues that elderly people do and will face when it comes to their care towards the end of their life.
Thank you!!