The RSPCA Isle of Wight has received an extraordinary legacy gift from local resident Gerry Blow, who left £10,000 and the entire contents of his home to the charity when he passed away earlier this year at the age of 100.
Gerry’s Will requested that his belongings be auctioned to raise funds for animals in need, with the online sale set to begin on Monday (1st September). The charity says every penny raised will go directly towards the care of vulnerable animals at its Animal Centre.
The auction will feature furniture, collectables and household items, many dating back to the 1960s and 70s when Gerry and his late wife, Daryl, bought their first home in Ryde.
Claire Wyndham, Finance and Administration Manager at RSPCA Isle of Wight, has said:
“We are honoured by Gerry’s incredible generosity.
“This auction is a fitting tribute to a man who gave so much to others, and it will help us continue caring for vulnerable animals on the Island.”
Gerry, who celebrated his 100th birthday in July 2024, was a well-known figure on the Isle of Wight after running barber shops in Ventnor, Shanklin and Ryde.
The online auction can be accessed at www.jumblebee.co.uk/gerrysauctionforrspcaisleofwight, with further details about leaving a legacy gift available at www.rspca-isleofwight.org.uk/legacy.
What a gracious gift. Rest in peace!
What a lovely decent caring man. We need more people like this in the world to be able to gift things to help animals. God bless him.