Diabetes UK is set to receive a legacy donation written on food packaging boxes worth £180,000 after a UK high court ruled it was valid.
Malcolm Chenery, who died in 2021, left his estate – including a three-bedroom house, jewellery, cash, ornaments and pottery – to the diabetes charity, the Guardian reported.
The charity’s claim of the will was initially challenged because the informal will was split into two different food packaging boxes, one a box of Young’s frozen fish and the other Mr Kipling mince pies, with neighbours only witnessing the signing of one of the two pages.
The lawyer representing Diabetes UK said the charity’s claim to the will was uncontested and had the support of Chenery’s family members.
“Various family members have explained that diabetes runs in the family,” the lawyer reportedly said in court.
A high court judge ruled that the bequest was valid in accordance with the requirements under the 1837 Wills Act and could be entered into probate.
Chenery, who died by suicide, wrote the will shortly before his death.
Money ‘will be carefully invested’
A Diabetes UK spokesperson told Civil Society: “Diabetes UK wishes to extend our deepest sympathies following the death of Mr Malcolm Chenery.
“Gifts in wills are subject to strict legal controls, and Diabetes UK always works to ensure that we follow all relevant legislation.
“The money so generously left to the charity will be carefully invested in ground-breaking diabetes research and life-changing support for thousands of people living with and affected by diabetes.”
