Rory McIlroy named top donor
GOLF star Rory McIlroy has been named as one of the top UK philanthropists.
The four-time Major winner is listed in the latest Million Pound Donors Report by the private London bank, Coutts, which tracks the donations made of £1million (€1.24million) or more by individuals.
Co. Down-born McIlroy, 28, has raised millions since establishing The Rory Foundation in 2013, which helps children suffering with cancer as well as young people with learning difficulties. The Rory Foundation which built Daisy Lodge, a shortbreak respite centre in Co. Down for children with cancer, has pledged €1.2million to construct a similar facility in Co. Mayo. It also supports Mencap Northern Ireland which helps people with learning disabilities and their families.
McIlroy said: ‘Speaking with some of the young people, their families and staff whose lives revolve around these facilities gave me a deep insight and understanding to the positive and sometimes lifechanging impact donations can have. It was, and remains, completely life affirming for me.’
The recently married golfer said he became a philanthropist after a life-changing visit in 2011 to earthquake-ravaged Haiti. The visit came with it the realisation that he had ‘wanted for nothing’ growing up, due to the sacrifices of his parents in support of his sporting career.