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.