TOM'S GENEROUS LEGACY WILL MEAN TREETOPS CAN GROW
07:30, 14 September 2009
A GENEROUS man who wanted his life savings to benefit local people after his death has helped to boost a Derbyshire hospice's fund-raising appeal.

Treetops Hospice has received the money from the estate of Tom Blaney and says it is the biggest single donation towards its Ripple Appeal expansion project.

Appeal manager Kate Shaw said Mr Blaney's investment had helped persuade grant-giving organisations to pledge a further £100,000 towards the project.

The appeal aims to raise £1m to expand day care provision at the hospice in Risley, which provides specialist palliative care to people with life-limiting illnesses in Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire.

Ms Shaw said Mr Blaney's gift had come via Stapleford and Sandiacre Rotary Club, which has been managing his estate.

She said: "The Rotary Club's continued support has been key for Treetops – it has helped us demonstrate the viability of the project.

"Its commitment has encouraged others to support with pledges of £100,000."

Mr Blaney, who lived in Bramcote, near Nottingham, and worked for the now-defunct East Midlands Electricity, died in his 70s in 1989.

His estate then passed to his sister, who died 10 years later.

Mr Blaney's wishes meant the Rotary Club then took control of the estate.

Mr Blaney was never a member but was closely linked to it through friends and the Bramcote Probus Club, where he was a founding member.

The club's Richard Taylor said: "Rotary looked at various projects to spend the money on, such as providing a bursary for a pupil to go to Nottingham High School but we thought giving the money to Treetops would benefit more people.

"There was property involved, which is why it took a bit of time."

The £100,000 was first pledged to the hospice about six years ago.

Since then, the cash has accrued interest, taking the total to £125,000.

The hospice has announced the investment as it prepares to begin building work later this year.

Ms Shaw said: "We have made enormous strides but we still need support in our final challenge of raising the last £225,000."

Mr Taylor said Mr Blaney was a very private man who accrued his wealth by careful saving.

He said: "There were a lot of very thrifty people in those days and interest rates were high."

Rotary has also given a further £50,000 from Mr Blaney to local clubs, mainly in Stapleford and Sandiacre.

Grants have ranged from £15,000 to re-roof a Stapleford Scout hut to £600 for table tennis and pool tables at a youth club.

For more information on the Ripple Appeal, call Kate Shaw or Lily Grant on 0115 939 4551 or e-mail kshaw@treetopshospice.org.uk