£1M for a jewel in the crown

INSPIRING . . . Gorton Monastery is used for social, cultural and corporate events

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Oldham businessman and philanthropist Norman Stoller has marked his 80th birthday by donating £1 million from his charitable trust to help complete the restoration of Gorton Monastery.

The announcement was made at the monastery as the founder of Seton — the company responsible for the world-famous Tubigrip tubular bandage — celebrated with family and friends.

The Stoller Charitable Trust donation is the most significant pledge of financial support by a private benefactor to the Monastery of St Francis and Gorton Trust, which runs the landmark building.

The trust was set up 18 years ago this month to restore Pugin’s listed building, built by Franciscan monks in the mid 19th century.

The first phase of restoration was completed in 2007 at a cost of £6.5 million. The building is now used for corporate, social and cultural occasions.

The Stoller donation is conditional on its being used to unlock a £2 million grant from the Heritage Lottery Fund, to be used to complete the restoration.

A spokesman for the trust said: “Gorton Monastery is widely regarded as a jewel in the crown of Manchester’s rich heritage. The Stoller Charitable Trust is proud to assist in completing the restoration.”