Watson Esam | News | Large Charity Donation from Late Killamarsh Resident

A year ago, Lauren Smith, wills and probate solicitor at Watson Esam was instructed to act on behalf of the executors of the late Mrs Kathleen May Stone, of High Street, Killamarsh, who died in December 2008.  She had left a will appointing her cousin and her husband as executors - nothing unusual in that of course – but the way in which Mrs Stone’s residuary estate was to be divided made it unusual indeed.

Mrs Stone left her estate to charity, as many people do – but they usually choose the charity themselves.  On this occasion, however, the executors were left with that decision as Mrs Stone had only stipulated that the estate was to be divided between charities which had as their objects the welfare of mentally handicapped people and bone marrow transplants for children.

The amount was substantial – over £180,000 – and with so many charities and good causes to choose from the executors were left in a difficult, but ultimately fulfilling position of deciding who should benefit.  Of course such a large amount of money would make a huge difference to any charities and so there was a lot of responsibility on the executors to make sure they made the right decision.

After looking into several charities, the executors decided to try and keep the money in Sheffield if possible as they believed that is what Mrs Stone would have wanted, and they decided to divide the monies between two charities, The Children’s Hospital Charity (Sheffield Children’s Hospital) and Sheffield Mencap and Gateway.

Sheffield Children’s Hospital meets both of the causes stipulated by Mrs Stone as it cares for mentally handicapped children and bone marrow transplants for children and the aftercare they need.  After their operations bone marrow transplant children are in isolation for a time and the charity has funded the installation of ‘Patient Interactive Systems’ allowing the children to be entertained by TV, radio and DVDs during their time in isolation – which is particularly important for children who cannot interact socially.

Sheffield Mencap is a local charity which was set up nearly sixty years ago by the parents of people with learning difficulties who wanted to give their children a better life.  It is now the largest local charity providing support and services for adults and children with learning disabilities.  It also supplies friendship, support and relief for families.

Each of the charities will receive a substantial amount of money which is bound to be hugely beneficial.  One quarter of the estate goes to Sheffield Mencap and Gateway for the welfare of mentally handicapped people, a quarter to The Children’s Hospital Charity for the welfare of mentally handicapped people and half to The Children’s Hospital Charity for use on the Oncology Ward where bone marrow transplant patients are cared for.

Solicitor, Lauren Smith said ‘It has been a pleasure dealing with this estate.  It is lovely to know that so much money is now being put to such good use’.

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