A HORLEY woman with multiple sclerosis (MS) has been honoured for her positive attitude and sense of humour.
Frances Chapman, a resident at Amherst House in Horley, was crowned the Home Champion last Thursday in a packed ceremony attended by residents, families and members of the community.
The Home Champion Awards, which are organised by Amherst House owners Gracewell Healthcare, marked the UK's Older People's Day on October 1.
The awards recognise and celebrate older people for the contributions they have made to both the care home and the wider community.
Mrs Chapman, 83, lived in Smallfield for most of her life and ran a crane hire and sales company with her husband.
She was nominated for her sense of humour and positive attitude despite having MS, a neurological condition which affects nerves in the brain and spinal cord and causes problems with muscle movement.
Not knowing she had won the award, Mrs Chapman read out a poem during the ceremony, held at the Court Lodge Road home, that she had written with a care assistant, to thank the Amherst House staff.
Mrs Chapman said: "I'm overwhelmed to have won. I never expected it.
"I thought I would just read my poem and that was my part done."
Amherst House home manager Arthur Tanare said: "We are delighted to honour Frances today and all our residents who make our home such a special place to live.
"Thank you to all our guests today, it's been a very special event and sharing the inspiring stories of our residents is a great way to remind us of the contribution that older people have made to our communities."
Runner-up prizes were awarded to Iris Parsons, 82, for inspiring the staff with her positive attitude, despite her ill health, and Ethel Moore, 95, who was nominated as a "shining example of happiness around the home" and for making everyone feel welcome when they visit.
The awards were presented by Gracewell Healthcare regional director Peta Mandleberg, Amherst House's deputy home manager Joselo Silva and hospitality manager Julie Jolley.
