Bermuda’s first Olympic hero said this week that he is grateful to have a roof over his head after being admitted to an island medical facility.

Clarence Hill, a former heavyweight boxer who won the bronze medal at the 1976 Montreal Games, wound up sleeping on the streets after losing his government-owned accommodation during a spell in hospital.

He told The Royal Gazette yesterday that he was appreciative of the support he has been shown since.

“It feels good to have somewhere to sleep, to shower and just rest,” Mr Hill said.

“I really appreciate that and am glad that it came to fruition to have somewhere to go, so I don’t have to be out in the street, which is a good thing.

“People have expressed their sympathy and wished me well, which is very appreciated.

“I really appreciate the support that I am getting.”

The 74-year-old sportsman was admitted to the facility after a diagnosis of dementia.

It remains unclear how long he will remain there amid ongoing attempts by his son, Jamaka Kamal, who lives in Birmingham, England, to raise funds via a GoFundMe page with a view to bringing his father to Britain for a better quality of life.

As of yesterday, the 48-year-old had already exceeded his goal of £4,000 (about $5,300).

“My father’s GoFundMe page has raised over £4,500,” Mr Kamal said.

“Right now I am looking into if and when he will be able to fly on a plane — he may need a nurse escort to travel with him.”

Mr Hill spent several months in the hospital receiving treatment for a life-threatening heart condition and upon being discharged discovered he no longer had access to his apartment.

A government spokesman said this week that Mr Hill lived in an apartment managed by the Bermuda Housing Corporation but had signed a “formal agreement ending his tenancy” before an extended hospital stay.

He added that the former boxer took the step last year on medical advice that his residence was “no longer suitable for his health needs”.

The spokesman said: “Over the following months, BHC staff and social workers worked closely with Mr Hill to secure his belongings and support his transition, making several visits to the property with him to complete this process.

“The ministry and the Bermuda Housing Corporation remain committed to working collaboratively with the relevant agencies to ensure that appropriate support is in place for Mr Hill’s wellbeing.”

Mr Hill said on Wednesday that he did not recall making the agreement to end his tenancy.

He added: “I am just praying and keeping my faith and keeping strong. If I want to survive, I have to stand up, everybody in life has their walk.

“Sometimes we don’t appreciate the walk that we walk, but that’s what God has designed for us to go through.

“The Lord has decided for me to go through a little bit of hardship, so I am just hoping and praying that I stay strong to get through it.”