TRIBUTES have been paid to one of Clacton’s biggest elderly care advocates.

Ray Hunt, who established the Hunt Healthcare Group, died from cancer last month, aged just 47.

Mr Hunt founded the family business with wife Caroline after moving to Clacton in 2000.

Together they bought the Cavendish Care Home, one of four residential homes for people with dementia in need of respite or day care.

Over 17 years they took on a further three properties – Gairloch House, Winsford House and the Elm Tree in Frinton.

Mr Hunt dedicated his life to the care business they built, and widow Caroline says his devotion to their residents was faultless.

She said: “Even on Christmas morning, he would take a homemade gift round with our two children Guy and Zara to each resident, so everyone had something special.

"He organised a retirement party once for Sidney, who was 100 years old and the oldest retired fireman in the country. Sidney told Ray he was more than the 'chief' – he was his friend.

"The residents adored and respected him. They knew he would represent their rights and views in a time when they may not be able themselves.

"And Ray wanted them to be heard, live life to the full and learn, regardless of their age."

Mr Hunt began his career by qualifying as a registered general nurse at Guys’ Hospital in London, specialising in cardiology, before becoming a paramedic with the London Ambulance Service.

This fuelled his pursuit to provide a high-quality care service for elderly people with the Hunt Healthcare Group, achieving several national awards.

Mrs Hunt added: “What people can take away from his legacy is that if we're determined and work very hard, we can achieve greatness.

"The community is made up of many ages, but we must always remember and respect the seniors because they are often pushed to one side.

"But they are the heart of the community and our connection to the valuable past.

"Ray was a great man, who cared deeply for everyone he met."

Mr Hunt’s funeral takes place on Monday, February 20, at the Parish Church of St Peter’s & St Paul’s, St Osyth, at 2.15pm.

The burial will follow at St Osyth Cemetery on Clay Lane at 3pm.