University of Edinburgh - Pennies from heaven

A medical school has received its largest-ever gift from a living donor after a friend of a former student honoured his pledge to support the institution. The cheque for £1.26 million, which will help pay for a new imaging centre at the University of Edinburgh, was provided by 82-year-old Ronald Storey, who was left the life savings of lifelong friend George Birtwisle, an Edinburgh graduate. Dr Birtwisle established a general practice in London but later emigrated to Spain and started a property business with Mr Storey. When he died, Mr Storey took responsibility for Dr Birtwisle's estate and made the gift to the university. He said his friend would have been "thrilled" by the idea.