Olympic treat for care home resident Susan

Susan McKiernan, a resident at Woodlands Care Home, has an MBE for services to disabled sport and is looking forward to Olympics and Paralympics.

To make the build up even more special for her, staff at the care homes organised for wheelchair basketball player and Olympic torch bearer Jack Waring to visit, with his torch.

Kerry Dodd, care manager, said: “Susan is a lovely lady and very excited this year. We are really trying to make this year special for her with the Olympics.”

“She has gone to previous Olympic games and has travelled all over the world with sport. She is quite well known within the Olympic circles.”

“When I found out about Jack I wanted to set it up so the two could meet.”

Jack, who carried the Olympic torch in Scunthorpe last month, was left paralysed when he collapsed after taking ear drops for a suspected infection.

Since then he has taken up wheelchair basketball now trains with the GB as well as playing for various others, as well as studying for his A Levels.

Kerry said: “Jack made a wonderful speech thanking Susan for everything she has done and said that without her disabled sport wouldn’t be what it is today.”

“Susan thought it was marvellous and took the torch around to show other residents with Jack.”

“It was absolutely brilliant to see. She was honoured to be holding it.”

To continue with the Olympic theme, the home is organising its own mini-games.

Everyday residents will take part in a difficult sporting activity, with Susan affiliating. They will also have opening, closing and medal ceremonies.