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My life began on a cold December night in 1932, when I was born two months early weighing only three pounds, expected not to live. (Obviously, I did live as I’m here now). As a farmer’s son, I grew up in a 19- room farmhouse without electricity or running water. I went to a private school and dreamed of becoming a vet, but after passing my exams, I later received a letter from the college saying ‘Dear Mr. Heath, I regret to inform you that you can no longer attend this year, because we’ve been advised to take 40 cavalry officers out of the army’. So, I thought I’m going to try dentistry instead, which gradually changed to surgery and eventually lead me to some ground breaking research and teaching.

After two marriages and raising three children, I found solace in falconry and sailing. I almost lost my life bringing a yacht over from Holland to the English Boat Show in Force 11 winds, but I still live to tell the story! I later met my third wife, Meryn, at a ball. I told her that night, after dusting off my old dinner jacket, ‘It cost me 250 quid to meet you!’ We laughed together from the start and eventually got married on a cruise in the Mediterranean, (and we did a lot of cruising). Meryn unfortunately became unwell with dementia and diabetes, and we realised through the help of her daughter, we needed a place that offered care for Meryn as well as independence for me.

Richmond Villages was a blessing. My stepdaughter, Sarah knew it was the right fit from the start: “From the moment you step out of the car park into reception, you feel like it’s a luxury hotel. Mike and Mum chose a lovely private apartment with tree views. It offered assisted living, and the transition was seamless. The staff are warm and caring, and the food is beautifully presented. They’ve been there for all phases of care, right up until the point that Mum needed to move into the care home. It made everything easier for us.”

Richmond Villages made our lives comfortable and completely stress-free. My advice is just MOVE – don’t wait until it’s too late.