Magnificent’ windfall
Posted: 02 Nov 2006 @ 00:00
ST LUKE’S Home for the Elderly in Cork, a Church of Ireland foundation, has
just received nearly £19 million (27.5 million euros) from the sale of land on
the edge of Cork City left to it by Sidney Northridge, a bachelor farmer.
"We are immensely grateful for this magnificent bequest," says the Bishop of
Cork, Cloyne & Ross, the Rt Revd Paul Colton, chairman of
the board of directors of the charity.
"No doubt many people will marvel at the huge commercial value of the land,
but we marvel at the generosity of a man who clearly admired and supported the
vision of what St Luke’s Home does, and has been doing, for the elderly in Cork
since 1872."
The home was founded by Fanny Gregg, the daughter of the then Bishop. But it
has since grown and moved to several different locations in the city, and is
now at Blackrock, Cork. It stands in four acres overlooking Lough Mahon, and
receives ecumenical support for its 120 beds including a purpose-built dementia
unit. The accommodation is modern and comfortable, and 186 staff are employed.
The bequest has been most welcome, says the Bishop; for the home incurred
huge expense in moving to Blackrock, but it will now be able to expand its work
still further.