Chairman of HC-One care homes carries Olympic Torch

Chai Patel, chairman of HC-One care homes carried the Olympic Torch on the final week of its journey to the opening of the London 2012 Olympic Games.

Dr Patel, who began his career as a doctor in the NHS, was nominated to carry the torch because of his longstanding support of Team 2012, the fundraising programme for up-and-coming British athletes.

Team GB who nominated him said: “Dr Chai Patel is a very passionate and inspirational man, especially when it comes to sport. Because of the support that Chai has shown to up-and-coming British athletes, many have had a chance to reach their potential, and are as a result realising the biggest dream of all – competing at the 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games.”

Dr Chai Patel called it a “huge honour” and an “unforgettable experience” and said: “I can’t express how proud I am to have been asked to carry the Olympic Torch.

“Since 2005 when London won the bid to hold the 2012 Olympics I have been excited for the opportunities it brings to our country and our Olympians and Paralympians.”

Having completed his leg of the Torch relay, Dr Chai Patel will be sending the torch on its own journey around HC-One care homes.

HC-One care company launched last year after it took over the running of a third of the care homes across the UK formerly run by Southern Cross Healthcare. HC-One currently runs 241 homes and is the third largest provider of residential care for older people.