Norwich woman 'overwhelmed' by bid to remember her dad

John Kelly, who suffered from Alzheimer's, was 81 when he was robbed on Aylsham Road in Norwich by George Rivett and Dominic Gonzalez as part of a 90-minute Norwich crime spree.

George Rivett and Dominic Gonzalez (Image: Norfolk Constabulary)Mr Kelly moved to Grenville Court care home in Horsford after the robbery in the early hours of January 25 last year but passed away in May this year by which time he had turned 82.

John Kelly (Image: Supplied by family of John Kelly)He was so loved by those who looked after him at the care home that there are now plans to install a bar in his memory for residents where they and their families can meet.

Grenville Court, Horsford (Image: Peter Walsh, Newsquest)Mr Kelly's daughter Sue Noble said she has been left "overwhelmed" as a result of the gesture.

She said: "I was really overwhelmed and touched by the idea.

"The buzz when they told me...it's a lasting memory of my dad.

"My dad spent the last 12 months of his life at Grenville Court being cared for by the amazing staff there.

"He was very much loved by both staff and residents".

John Kelly with his daughter Sue (Image: Submitted)Sue, 58, a project support officer, who lives in Sprowston, says the idea is particularly fitting since her father, a former managing director of a haulage company ran a bar in Spain.

Mr Kelly and his daughter moved back to the UK from Costa Blanca, near Benidorm, about 25 years ago after the death of his wife Irene.

Sue said: "It's really fitting because of his previous business.

"They knew he worked in Spain but didn't have full details.

"I think 'I can't wait to tell him'.

"I can't believe it, I'm just so happy.

"He would be looking down and smiling."

Sue said her father moved to the home in the aftermath of the robbery following a deterioration in his illness but was grateful for the time he spent there.

John Kelly (Image: Supplied by family of John Kelly)She said: "It's probably the best thing that ever happened, he was so well looked after.

"Everyone, all the carers, all said the same thing - he was such a gentleman and a lovely guy.

"I can't praise the home enough.

"It's one big happy family."

Abby Thornhill, manager of Grenville Court, said the scheme, part of a bid to promote hydration in care homes, will help ensure Mr Kelly is remembered at the home.

Grenville Court, Horsford (Image: Peter Walsh, Newsquest)She said: "John was a true gentleman, very polite and considering everything he had been through and with his diagnosis was always making us smile. 

"Sue was our biggest cheerleader and advocate, as a matter of fact she still is. 

"Sue has donated so much into our resident’s activity fund over the year and donated a fund after her dad's passing in the name of him.

"We knew then that the money needed to go towards making a bigger impact at Grenville as both Sue and John made such an impact on us."

She added: "Kelly’s bar has such a ring to it, with an Irish theme but tropical vibes to remember John’s adventures in Spain and the Irish roots of his life.

"Once the bar is complete we want a small framed picture of both Sue and John, stood proud at the back.

John Kelly and his daughter Sue (Image: Submitted)"This way John continues to keep us smiling every day and helps us promote hydration for others living here with dementia."

As previously reported, Rivett, then 19 and of no fixed abode, and Gonzalez, then 20 and of Jewson Road, Norwich, appeared at Norwich Crown Court last month.

Sentencing Rivett to 30 months and Gonzalez to two years in a Young Offender's Institution (YOI) Judge Anthony Bate said they had been "abhorrent" offences by the pair of them.