Marjory leaves £42,000 to hospice

WINDFALL . . . hospice volunteer Kathleen Wallpole with Brian Hurst and Carol Birtwhistle, executor of the will

A GENEROUS pensioner has left almost £42,000 to Dr Kershaw’s Hospice in her will.

Marjory France, of Middleton Road, Chadderton, died in July, 2007, aged 83.

It was only when her will was read that it was discovered she had left £41,983.75 to the hospice, and an equal amount to another home in Preston.

Carol Birtwhistle (58), of Arnside Avenue, Fold Green, Chadderton, was joint executor of the will and also her good friend and neighbour. She said: “She was like another grandma for my son and would often bring baked goods round to us.

“When I moved, we stayed friends so when she asked me to be the executor of her will, I said yes and thought nothing of it.”

When Mrs France became ill three years ago, Mrs Birtwhistle helped her by taking her to hospital visits and helping sort out her bills. The former playground assistant at Yew Tree School, Alcester Street, was diagnosed with cancer in June, 2007, and died the following month.

Mrs Birtwhistle said: “When the will was read out, I wasn’t too surprised.

“She was a very shrewd lady and looked after everything.

“Although she never stayed at Dr Kershaw’s, she knew people who had used their services.

“The amount she left is incredible, just wonderful.

“She was very caring and would help out with over-60s clubs, and maybe that is what she wanted, to make peoples lives a lot more comfortable.”

Brian Hurst, appeals co-ordinator, said: “The amount is a tremendous boost for Dr Kershaw’s especially because of the credit crunch.

“It is much appreciated and will go towards helping others.

“It goes to show that if you are thinking about creating a will, you should act on it now.”