Stuart Michael Heaton has left a £250,000 legacy gift in his will to support good causes in Herefordshire. He died last August at the age of 100 and although he had lived in London for many years, always retained a strong connection to Ledbury and the wider county. 

Stuart Heaton was schooled at Ledbury Grammar (1933 – 1940) and selected as Head Boy, as well holding the position of Head Chorister at St Michael and All Angel’s Church. He volunteered for the RAF, becoming a navigator, and survived some 22 missions over Germany with 50 Squadron. He later entered the world of business, ascending to the position of Managing Director and Chief Executive of Ciro, an international company which was known for its costume pearls.

The legacy will be a welcome addition to the Heaton Fund which he set up in February 2012. Managed by Herefordshire Community Foundation, the fund makes grants to community projects across Herefordshire.

Speaking about the legacy gift, Bridie Sullivan, Chief Executive of Herefordshire Community Foundation said, “We were delighted to celebrate the wonderful life of Stuart Heaton at a Memorial Service in Ledbury this month. His gift will mean we can continue to give grants in his name for many, many years to come.”

Over the years, Mr Heaton’s philanthropic support also extended to making a significant donation towards the refurbishment of the Ledbury War Memorial and, with his sister, giving the Heaton Memorial Window to St Michael and All Angel’s Church, in memory of his parents Biddy and Arthur. His father was known to many as the long-standing editor of Ledbury Reporter (1928 – 1962).

Visit the fund page to learn more about the projects the fund supports.

By leaving a gift in your will or creating a legacy fund you can support the causes that matter to you or your loved one. To learn how our specialist team can work with you to make your gift to the county and communities of Herefordshire, please go to our Legacy and Memorial Funds page.