Man's legacy gets care home a minibus - 2nd March 2009



Tributes have been paid to "mild-mannered" gentleman David Bingham, who left a £30,000 lifeline to his former nursing home.

Kindhearted David Bingham 51 had been cared for at Longueville Court Care Home in Peterborough 2004, but passed away last July.

He had been looked after in his final days by specially trained staff at the younger people''s unit, aimed at those aged 18 to 64 with physical difficulties.And as a heartfelt thank-you to them, he bequeathed the sum of cash in his will – which has paid for a top-of-the-range minibus to send the elderly and infirm on revitalising outings.

Their old vehicle was ailing and desperately needed replacing but the costs to buy a new one were too steep. So overjoyed bosses at the home – which caters for both private and NHS clients – said the "surprise" gesture would be a fitting legacy to Mr Bingham, while also improving the 105 residents'' quality of life. During a special ceremony, his mother Jean Watkins – who still keeps in touch with the home – travelled from Melton Mowbray to present the gleaming new minibus to delighted staff. Home manager Peter Barlow said: "We had been struggling with an old minibus for a few years which needed money spent on it each year for repairs.

"We were hoping to have a new one for two to three years, but the cost of £30,000 was too expensive to fund ourselves.

"The money was sent to our head office initially so it wasn''t until some time later I got to hear about it. "I was at a conference in Wales and saw a new minibus and said it''s a shame we can''t afford it. "But I was told, ''you can.'' It was a very pleasant surprise."The seven-seater minibus has removable seats to enable access for three wheelchairs. It has already ferried people on strawberry picking trips and days out to the seaside.

Mr Barlow said: "The residents will be able to travel in more comfort and also further afield. Their quality of life will be improved thanks to this minibus. "Leaving us the money just demonstrates the sort of person David was to think of others, even after he passed away. "He was a large man, but mild-mannered and generous. "We really appreciate the gesture and have a memorial plaque for him in the minibus."

 

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