The Peterborough Evening Telegraph
Prize for man who donated a million
A retired dentist who gave a charity a million reasons to smile has been honoured at ‘the Oscars of the banking world.’
Malcolm Joyce donated £1 million to the Alzheimer’s Society last year – thought to be the largest sum given by an individual in the charity’s 38-year history.
He has now been awarded ‘Philanthropist of the Year’ at the Spear’s Management Wealth Awards, following in the footsteps of Sir Richard Branson, who won the accolade in 2014.
Malcolm, (82), is well known in Peterborough, having worked at a practice at 150 Park Road from 1962 to 2000.
Mr Joyce dedicated the accolade to his late wife Jean, who lived with dementia for several years towards the end of their 58-year marriage.
He said: “When I was shortlisted for this award I could have collapsed, but to actually win it is incredible. I’m still in shock. I am dedicating the award to my wife Jean.
“She was the love of my life, and I’m sure she’d be very proud of me today.”
Following Jean’s death in 2015, Mr Joyce had initially planned to leave the Alzheimer’s Society money in his will.
But he recalled: “I woke up one morning and thought to myself ‘why wait until I’m dead?’
“So, I decided there and then to call the Alzheimer’s Society and offer the money.
“Apparently, they thought I was joking at first when I told them how much I wanted to give, but I just thought it was a normal thing to do – a regular occurrence.
“I didn’t expect any fuss.” Since making the donation, Mr Joyce has become a valu- able ambassador for the society, speaking at local legacy giving events.
He said: “People might think giving away £1m was an unusual thing for someone in my position to do, or that I did it on the spur of the moment. But, I can honestly say I was happy with my decision from the moment I’d made it and I haven’t regretted it once.”
Alzheimer’s Society Trustee Sarah Weir OBE, said: “Malcolm is a modest individual who has done something quite remarkable, so we are thrilled that his generosity has been recognised at this prestigious awards ceremony.”