Grocontinental founder who donated £1m to save GP practice dies

A haulage firm founder who donated £1m to save a GP practice in a Shropshire village has died aged 89.

Ex-owner of Grocontinenal Ray Grocott, also funded the building of bungalows for older people in Prees, Shropshire, where he grew up.

His family said he was an "intelligent and positive" man. The firm, now called Americold, was sold in 2017 and had an annual turnover of £40m.

"He touched the lives of so many people worldwide," his daughter Linda said.

"Dad never saw barriers in life, just a clear way forward to get the job done, no matter what it was."

Mr Grocott started developing his business acumen from an early age, after his father died suddenly when he was five.

He would go on to be drafted in to help run the family's cattle haulage business, after his mother Nellie took the reins of the firm as well as bringing him and his six sisters up.

Among his philanthropic gestures, Mr Grocott enabled the refurbishment of the nursery at Prees Primary School and he also provided a specially adapted bus for the Bradbury Care Centre in Whitchurch.

"I can honestly say he was an inspiring boss and, most of all, a supportive and loving husband and family man," Ms Grocott added.

His family said he was also a keen sportsman who loved flying and playing golf.

A service to celebrate Mr Grocott's life will be held the Grocott Heritage Centre, in Prees, on Saturday 14 October.

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