Charities benefit from doctor's will

Dr Strain loved animals, and owned a labrador

A Belfast-born doctor has died leaving £2.3m to a range of charities including some from Northern Ireland.

Dr Bill Strain, 92, died in Badgeworth Court Care Centre, near Cheltenham in Gloustershire.

His wife Eileen died in 1997 and the couple had no children.

The author and keen animal lover singled out Irish, medical and animal charities close to his heart to benefit from his will.

He was a great animal lover, a devoted Ulsterman, and this is reflected in the charities he chose

Catherine Wood

The Presbyterian Church of Northern Ireland, the Royal Ulster Constabulary Benevolent Fund, Royal Belfast Academical Institute and Queen's University Masonic Lodge are among the local beneficiaries.

The money will also be split between organisations such as the Royal British Legion, National Canine Defence League, Royal Society for the Protection of Birds, Salvation Army and Sight Savers International.

Couple adored animals

Dr Strain's sister-in-law, Catherine Wood described him as an "amazing man with a kindly nature".

"He was a great animal lover, a devoted Ulsterman, and this is reflected in the charities he chose," she added.

Dr Strain was born in Belfast on 20 April, 1907. He married and moved to Bayshill Road, Cheltenham, in 1988 after living in Cornwall.

The couple adored animals, owning Retrievers, Labradors and Scottish terriers.

Dr Strain loved watercolour and oli painting, and often painted Irish scenes from memory.

He was made Commander Knight of St John Jerusalem and Commissioner of Northern Ireland for his work with St John Ambulance.