Widow's millions surprise neighbours

It was one the largest legacies for the PDSA

A widow who lived in a modest two-bedroom bungalow has shocked friends and neighbours by leaving more than £2m to charities.

Edna Barclay, who died aged 96 earlier this year, devoted herself to caring for animals.

Neighbours in Sudbury, Suffolk, said they were surprised to hear she had left such a large sum in her will.

She just loved animals. If she saw a fledgling she used to take it in and try and save it

Brenda Jennings, friend

Betty Buckhurst, 91, who knew Mrs Barclay for more than 30 years, said: "I had quite a shock, I didn't know anything about it.

"I knew she and her husband weren't poor because they used to go out everywhere."

The People's Dispensary for Sick Animals (PDSA), which she had supported for nearly 50 years, received £1m in the will.

A further £1m has been split between nine other charities, six of them animal related.

Just £70,000 was left to friends and relatives - the largest sum of £20,000 going to a niece.

Mrs Barclay was "fanatical" over animals

Mrs Barclay had been married twice and had no children.

Another neighbour, Brenda Jennings said: "She was a very private person and wouldn't have wanted people talking about her.

"She just loved animals. If she saw a fledgling she used to take it in and try and save it.

"She was fanatical over them and despised anyone who was cruel to them."

Speaking on behalf of the PDSA, Gill Hubbard said: "It is one of the largest legacies this year.

"The money was bequest for general usage. It will be put towards furthering our cause in treating sick and injured animals.

"Legacies are a major source of our income and we are particularly grateful Mrs Barclay's large bequest."