Epsom Rotary Club has donated half a million pounds to provide a home for four women with learning disabilities to live independently.

It is believed to be one of the biggest single charity donations in Epsom's history.

The club bought a house in Andrews Close, Epsom, for £518,000, in February and it is currently being adapted to meet the needs of its future residents.  The club has granted a 125-year lease, at peppercorn ground rent to The Grange, a Bookham-based charity for adults with disabilities. 

Terry Maggs, the club's secretary and a trustee of 30 years, said the house was bought "specifically for use by The Grange" using money from a trust which was started by a past president, the late Geoffrey Gumersall, an Epsom solicitor.

The club has been building up the trust over 40 years through various bequests, including a major donation from Burt Umpelby, also deceased, who was another past president of the club and a local headmaster.

Mr Maggs said: "The trust deed and benefactors wishes' provided that the funds be invested in one property. 

"No other projects have received funds from this trust otherwise there would have been insufficient money to purchase a property."

He said that the trust was set up to provide a property for disadvantaged people and that most of the money from it has been used.

Judith Walker, the charity’s chief executive officer, said: "We are delighted to have this wonderful opportunity to be able to provide support to our people who want to live in Epsom."

The Grange provides a range of services, including provision of housing, 24-hour care and training in various skills enabling its clients to partake in work experience and potential employment opportunities.

Work is currently underway to adapt the four-bedroom home to suit the needs of the new occupants, who will move in this Autumn.

 

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