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A former Olympic silver medallist has died after contracting Covid-19.
Paul Nihill MBE, who represented Great Britain at four summer games, passed away at Medway Maritime Hospital yesterday.
He had lived with dementia in has later years and was a resident at Amherst Court, a specialist care home in Chatham.
He was admitted to hospital after he tested positive for coronavirus and his condition began to deteriorate.
The Olympic race walker proved inspirational to many and was taking part in his favourite sport up until a few years ago.
On Sunday, Robert Denness, Paul's grandson, walked 50km alongside his fiancée Scarlett, his mum Clare and his brother Lee to raise money for the care home in Palmerston Road.
The family hoped Paul could join them for the final mile.
Robert said: "Seeing all of his medals and trophies from over his career was very inspiring, and it's something I have always looked up.
"He used to write letters to my nan about how strict he was with his training, and how he was determined to win a gold medal and he took it very serious.
"We hoped he could join us for the end of the fun run, but of course that wasn't possible. We thought he was doing OK in hospital, but that unfortunately wasn't the case.
"On Monday, my mum got the call saying that he hasn't got long left which was obviously a shock to the family and myself, and on Tuesday morning he passed.
"It just shows what a real hero he was. He would've been proud of what we did for the home, he stayed with us till Tuesday and that's when he decided he had had enough. It's been an emotional last few days."
Rob has used his grandad's inspirational journey to inspire him in his work and sporting endeavours.
He continued: "He has helped me, as a person, massively in my life.
"He's inspired me to do better, and what's amazing is that through that, I can help and inspire others as well.
"That's what it is all about, during these tough times family is so important and so is happiness.
"My biggest achievements have come from my family, and grandad being there. The support he has given me over the years is incredible. He has allowed me to inspire the younger generation.
'Through him I will strive to inspire others...'
"Through him I will strive to inspire others, and promote achievements in sport especially in the younger generation, that's the key, that's what he would want."
Alongside his silver medal winning year in the 50km race walk at the 1964 Tokyo Olympics, Paul also competed at the 1968 and 1972 games, with his best time being four hours and 11 minutes.
After that he focused on the 20km distance, and won a European title in this event in 1969, followed by a bronze medal in 1971.
He also took part in the 20km heat at the 1972 Olympics.
