Mystery of Margaret who left cash donation to The Cambridge Royal Albert Benevolent Societys

A Cambridge almshouses charity is seeking the help of city residents in a bid to learn more about the identity of a mystery donor who left it a substantial cash legacy in her will.

The Cambridge Royal Albert Benevolent Society, which runs subsidised properties for senior citizens, was left a legacy running into thousands of pounds from a woman called Margaret Egan. The huge donation has allowed the charity to revamp several kitchens and the communal meeting room.

Now the trustees want to learn more about their mystery benefactor and have appealed to anyone who may have known her to get in touch with them.

Edward Thackray, one of the trustees, said: “We heard from Margaret Egan’s solicitors that she had left us a substantial sum legacy in her will. Apparently, the lady had no surviving family when she died and, while we heard the news from the solicitors, we have no further information about her.

“We would love to hear more about her from any of the Cambridge Independent readers. Apparently, she lived in Cherry Hinton but as far as we know, she had no affiliation with us. Her name did not register with us at all. It would be useful to know more about her. It is all a bit of a mystery really. It came completely out of the blue. We run things on a tight budget and to be left a substantial legacy like that is marvellous.

“It has allowed us to replace a number of kitchens and the meeting room, much to the delight of the residents. We are also looking at making further improvements.”

The charity provides subsidised homes for independent senior citizens of modest income with connections to Cambridge. There are 18 terraced cottages, four ground floor flats and two first floor flats. There are also two bungalows. It is run by nine trustees and administrator Eleanor Matthewson.

The charity has been running the landmark almshouses at the junction of Hills Road and Brooklands Avenue for 169 years.

The weekly charge is subsidised by income from investments, which meets much of the costs. The charity receives no subsidy.

Mr Thackray added: “They largely go unnoticed and not many people even know they are there. We have a really happy bunch of residents at present. People need to be able to look after themselves and we do have vacancies coming up. It is well worth people getting in touch and they can register their interest via cambridgeroyalalberthomes.org.uk.

• Do you know Margaret Egan? Email adrian.curtis@iliffemedia.co.uk.