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Sunday World
2 days ago
- Business
- Sunday World
Massive fortune Terry Wogan's widow left in her will revealed
Former top model Lady Helen Wogan died last year aged 88 nine years after the Irish BBC broadcasting legend passed away The couple were married for 50 years The massive fortune Terry Wogan's widow left in her will was almost five times more than that passed on by her husband. Former top model Lady Helen Wogan died last year aged 88 nine years after the Irish BBC broadcasting legend passed away. The total amount of money she bequeathed to her sons and daughter was revealed in documents signed off by the High Court last week. According to the figures published by The Sun, Lady Wogan left a total of £4,948,334 (approx €5,819,000). After costs and fees, this was reduced by £31,000 to £4,917,989. She also left two tax-free gifts, in the form of £850,000 to son Alan, named as an executor on the estate, and £750,000 to daughter Katherine. The rest of the money and her possessions were split between all three living children, including son Mark. The couple were married for 50 years Each of Lady Wogan's grandchildren will be the beneficiaries of a £100,000 trust that was set up for to be made available to them when they turn 25. Lady Wogan, who was married to the late broadcaster for more than 50 years, signed her final will in February 2023, seven years after her husband had died in 2016 aged 77. Sir Terry, who thought to be worth £20million at the height of his career, passed on £1million in his estate. Lady Helen Wogan and Sir Terry in 2015 News in 90 June 4th In a tribute to a 'beautiful' mother and grandmother as he announced her passing, son Mark wrote about her 'fantastic life.'. 'From a young Irish rose to Lady Wogan, she was the epitome of style and grace,' he wrote. 'A Mother, Grandmother and Wife, with love and kindness at her core. A strength and a belief that saw her through many of life's trials. 'A sense of humour and a turn of phrase that would have you in fits of laughter. 'A proper lady in every sense of the word. Her and Dad are hopefully sharing a vodka martini and hoping we don't make too much of fuss. We love you Mum, now and forever.' Lady Wogan was a top Irish model in the 1960s born in a Dublin suburb and she met her husband while he was an up-and-coming star on Irish radio. The pair, both born in Ireland, married in a local parish church in Dublin in April 1965. Between 1993 and his semi-retirement in December 2009, Sir Terry's BBC Radio 2 breakfast show drew in an average of eight million listeners. Sir Terry died just months after hosting his final show on Radio 2, during which he revealed he had prostate cancer. His health issues led to his withdrawal from presenting Children In Need later that month. Following his death, the BBC renamed Radio 2's studios Wogan House as a mark of respect.
Edinburgh Live
2 days ago
- Business
- Edinburgh Live
Sir Terry Wogan's wife Lady Helen leaves huge sum in her will after sad death
Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. More info Lady Helen Wogan, wife of the late British icon Sir Terry Wogan, left millions in her estate. The loyal spouse of 51 years stood by Terry's side throughout his life. Sir Terry passed away in 2016 at the age of 77, while Lady Helen died last year, leaving a substantial sum in her will. She passed away at the age of 88, leaving behind three children who are now set to inherit her wealth. Upon her passing, their son penned: "Lady Helen Wogan - 1936-2024. Our beautiful mum left us last night after a fantastic life. From a young Irish rose to Lady Wogan, she was the epitome of style and grace. READ MORE - New variant of Covid discovered as doctors warn of unusual symptoms READ MORE - The Yorkshire Vet star rushed to hospital after 'never spending night away from husband' "A Mother, Grandmother and Wife, with love and kindness at her core. A strength and a belief that saw her through many of life's trials. A sense of humour and a turn of phrase that would have you in fits of laughter. "A proper lady in every sense of the word. Her and Dad are hopefully sharing a vodka martini and hoping we don't make too much of fuss. We love you Mum, now and forever.", reports the Mirror. Lady Helen left an impressive £4,948,334 in her will, which was reduced by £31,000 to £4,917,989 after costs and fees were deducted, according to documents approved by the High Court. The Sun also reported that Lady Helen left two tax-free gifts to two of her children - £850,000 to her son Alan Wogan, who is an executor, and £750,000 to their daughter Katherine. Sir Terry Wogan, who passed away in January 2016 after a brief battle with cancer, has left behind a substantial legacy for his loved ones. Each of his grandchildren has been gifted a £100,000 trust fund, accessible when they turn 25. The remainder of his estate will be divided among his three surviving children, Mark, Alan, and Katherine. Sir Terry died just months after hosting his final show on Radio 2, during which he revealed he had prostate cancer. His health issues led to his withdrawal from presenting Children In Need later that month. At the time, a family statement released by the BBC said: "Sir Terry Wogan died today after a short but brave battle with cancer. He passed away surrounded by his family. While we understand he will be missed by many, the family ask that their privacy is respected at this time."
Daily Mail
26-05-2025
- Daily Mail
Heartless Pudsey Bear conmen who pilfered over £500,000 of money people thought was for charity are ordered to pay £100,000 to the good causes
Heartless conmen who dressed up as Pudsey Bear to pilfer more than £500,000 from kindhearted members of the public have been ordered to pay back £100,000. The gang was led by David Levi who would wear the beloved Children In Need's yellow bear costume outside supermarkets to con shoppers into making phony donations. He used his ill-gotten gains to fund a life of luxury by buying expensive cars and holidays. He appeared at Preston Crown Court last year where he was jailed for five years after admitting to fraud and money laundering. Now the 49-year-old and fellow bogus collector Stephen Chesterman, 64, have been told to pay back some of the cash or face more time behind bars. The gang collected for charities including Great Ormond Street Hospital, Children in Need and Comic Relief. Levi, from Lytham St Annes, Lancashire, has been ordered to pay back £4,438. If he doesn't pay back the money, the fraudster could face an extra three months in prison. Fellow gang member Chesterman, from Benfleet, Essex, has been given three months to pay back £102,618. If he doesn't, he could face an 18 months jail sentence on top of his previous 22 months in jail. The money recovered will be paid to Children in Need, The Children's Society, Mind, and Great Ormond Street Hospital. The fake charity collectors travelled across the country to solicit donations outside supermarkets, and would threaten to go to the media or report employees if they were challenged. Prosecutors identified a total of approximately £500,000 in cash deposits which had been made in to the accounts of members of the group of seven. Adrian Foster, Chief Crown Prosecutor of the CPS Proceeds of Crime Division, said: 'These men preyed on the good will of members of the public, who believed their money was going to help people. 'Instead, the money was stolen to fund their own lifestyles. 'We are pleased that the money obtained by fraud is finally being given to the deserved charities, and the defendants have not benefitted from their ill-gotten gains.' In emails to the BBC, following his conviction, the Pudsey Bear scammer Levi said he enjoys raising money for good causes and 'fully intends' to fundraise again in the future. Levi even produced fake badges and marketing material to make his scam appear legitimate. When he was caught, he claimed he had made his wealth through escorting, and was lucky at casinos and bookies. 'I can make a grand a week', he told officers upon his arrest. In reality, the court heard he targeted supermarkets to make 'bucket collections' which had not been authorised. Sentencing Levi last year, Judge Andrew Jeffries KC said less than 10 per cent of the £500,000 traced through the conman's bank accounts made its way to the charities it was intended to help. He said Levi and his gang 'preyed upon the public's generosity - and in many cases, private grief.' 'The British public is always ready to give to a good cause and especially to any charity which helps children who are sick, those with cancer and Children in Need', he said. 'They give generously, even when many may not have much themselves.' He vowed to ensure no other scammers could operate in the way Levi and his gang had by passing deterrent sentences. 'The words despicable and brazen have been used and I echo those here', he said. 'The court will endeavour to ensure that no further bogus collections are made for charity so that members of the public can give with confidence as they have in the past.' The biggest loser was the BBC, whose Children In Need charity lost out on £47,000 donated by kind-hearted members of the public. In an email exchange from behind bars, Levi denied being a scammer and claimed he and his six codefendents simply pocketed expenses for their fundraising activities - which 'ran into thousands.' An audio recording shows Levi telling police he received much of his money from 'escorting' when he was really conning Brits out of thousands of pounds. 'I don't know where it's come from but it's not charity money,' he said. 'I was doing a bit of escorting as well at the time, which I wasn't going to bring up, which is very good money.' When asked by police if he had records for his escorting, Levi said: 'Clients don't like [...] receipts. They like discretion.' He added: 'Escorting, on the odd times that I did it, you can make a grand a week, sometimes two grand a week.' To try to cover his tracks Levi would contact each charity, obtain a fundraising pack and use this to claim he was a genuine collector in case he was questioned by store staff or the police, with collections taking place all over the country. Even when supermarket staff challenged the fraudsters about the bogus collections they were told they would lose their jobs or be reported to the national press. Also involved in the scam were Howard Collins, 73, who helped organise collections and went out collecting. He introduced a number of people to GOSH and wrote letters claiming to be from the North of England Events Office - which did not exist. William Ormand went out collecting, but the court heard that he was also involved in paying other collectors and appears to have assisted Levi. Martin Ebanks, 59, and Robert Roy Ferguson, 63, also collected for the conspiracy.
Daily Mirror
19-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
Paddy McGuinness in incredible gesture to school threatened with closure
Paddy McGuinness surprised kids at a school under threat of closure who helped support him on his epic Children in Need challenge - leaving them delighted TV star Paddy McGuinness surprised schoolchildren as a thank you for their support during his massive Children in Need challenge. The TV star captivated the nation last November with his Raleigh Chopper cycling heroics. At the time, he was buoyed by the support of kids from St Anthony's Catholic Primary School in Saltney, in Wales. And he went back - with his Chopper - to say thank you last Friday morning. Paddy's visit to the school comes as the school is threatened with closure. Flintshire County Council want to open a super-school 14 miles away for children aged 3-18 - a move which has upset the children, staff and community. He has previously recorded a video message backing the school to stay open. Paddy said: "When I did my Children in Need challenge, I remember coming up to your school and feeling really tired, my bum was sore off the bike seat. "When I came up to your school you all came out and drew me amazing pictures, and offered me loads of support, and cheered me on. It really helped me to get to the end of my challenge, so thank you very much. "And here's something in return, I'm sending you all my love and support - let's keep your fantastic school open." On Friday's visit to the school, Paddy thanked the kids for spurring him onto the finish line. A source added: 'His visit meant the world to our children, especially given the challenges our school community is currently navigating. Seeing their smiles and hearing their laughter as they interacted with Paddy, and received the generous donation of toys he brought, was truly heartwarming.' The comedian's Children In Need challenge raised more than £10 million. The 300-mile bike ride, began in Wrexham, Wales, last month and crossed the finish line in Glasgow.
BBC News
12-05-2025
- Sport
- BBC News
Children in Need: Boy with cerebral palsy climbs Scafell Pike for charity
A 10-year-old with cerebral palsy said he is "proud" to have climbed to the top of Scafell Pike to raise money for Children in Need - and now wants to climb Ben and his parents, from Shawbury, in Shropshire, accidentally walked a mile-and-a-half up the wrong peak before realising their mistake. Dad, Liam, said his son took the news well and gave them motivational talks after they moved on to the right was "very emotional" when they reached the top, said Oscar's mum, Steph. Liam explained they had accidentally followed a National Trust footpath up the wrong hill and had to turn their son, whose disability means he has difficulty walking, inspired them to keep going."Oscar just kept pulling us all through," he said. When they reached the summit, Steph said "we all had tears in our eyes".She added: "We'd seen how difficult it was for us, let alone Oscar having to do it on his tiptoes." Oscar wanted to support Children in Need after seeing coverage on TV and wanted to help "all the people that don't have money and can't afford a house or more food".Scafell Pike, in the Lake District, is the tallest mountain in England at 978m (3,200ft).Oscar said it was "very, very big" and described how every time they thought they were getting close to the summit, "it kept going up and up".When asked about his next challenge, Oscar said he had set his sights on scaling Ben Nevis - Scotland's highest Scafell Pike climb has so far raised £1,185, which Liam said showed "a lot about Oscar and how he inspires others". Follow BBC Shropshire on BBC Sounds, Facebook, X and Instagram.
