Berni Inns riches go to cats and dogs
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Animals were the love of wealthy Esme Berni's life, and in her will, published yesterday, most of her pounds 4.7m estate is destined for dog and cat homes.
The main beneficiary is the Bristol and District branch of Animal Concern, a charity which saves unwanted and abandoned animals and finds them caring homes.
A spokeswoman for the group said they believed they would receive between pounds 3.5m and pounds 4m from their benefactor.
Mrs Berni, wife of a Bristol restaurateur, Aldo Berni, who helped found the Berni Inn chain, spent pounds 170,000 to buy former dog kennels at the village of Barrow Gurney on the outskirts of Bristol four years ago.
It is now the centre of the charity's activities at Holly Head Sanctuary, which last year found homes for around 1,000 animals, mostly cats and dogs.
Mrs Berni was a frequent visitor to the sanctuary and the nearby home of Pauline Leeson, one of the founder members. She said she did not know how much the sanctuary might receive, but the treasurer believed it might be in the region of pounds 3.5m to pounds 4m. She added: "We are overjoyed to receive this money.".
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments