'Escaped' veteran remembers RNLI in Will

Bernard Jordan, who earned the nickname the Great Escaper after absconding from his care home to attend the D-Day commemorations last year, has left his Estate to a lifeboat charity.

The war veteran died, aged 90, on 30^th December last year, and his wife Irene died seven days later, aged 88.

A statement from the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) states that the couples' Estate, worth about £600,000, has been left to them.

RNLI chief executive, Paul Boissier, said, "This is absolutely wonderful, unexpected news. Bernard's story charmed the nation last year when he journeyed from his Sussex care home to France to commemorate the D-Day landings."

An RNLI spokesman said that the legacy came as a surprise, but believed the couple's admiration stemmed from Mr Jordan's time serving in the Royal Navy during the second world war.

Jordan had hoped to return to Normandy this June to again remember his fallen comrades. Brittany Ferries, which carried him across the Channel last summer, offered him free crossings for life after learning of his exploits.

Days after he returned from his journey, on his 90^th birthday, Mr Jordan received more than 2,500 birthday cards from all around the world.

After his death the Royal British Legion said that his cross-Channel adventures highlighted "the spirit that epitomises the second world war generation."

If you need assistance administering the Estate of a loved one, contact our expert solicitors today. You can speak to our team on 01993 852 222, or email us at info@bamptonlaw.co.uk and we will get back to you as soon as possible.

Bampton Law

Oxford Probate Solicitors