Established in 2019 by the Murgitroyd family in memory of Patricia “Pat” Murgitroyd, the Murgitroyd Foundation® has been carried forward by our trustees since the passing of the late Ian Murgitroyd.
Our aim is to award financial grants to charitable organisations that seek to carry on the legacy of ambition, compassion, and generosity that Ian and Pat exemplified throughout their lives.
Ian and Pat Murgitroyd both were born in Glasgow in the 1940s, growing up in Pollok and Shettleston respectively. They met in the 1960s at a dance, and Pat took the characteristically courageous chance of asking a shy Ian to dance with her. The rest, as they say, was history. Ian and Pat married in 1969 and had two children, Elizabeth “Liz” and Edward.
In 1975, Ian, with the steadfast support of his wife Pat, started a patent and trade mark firm that saw incredible success. In addition to his busy career and raising their children, Ian and Pat contributed to causes of a broad nature including the arts, healthcare, and entrepreneurial efforts. Of particular note were their philanthropic contributions to building and staffing a specialist facility for orphaned children with HIV in South Africa. Ian was also a professional mentor to many in the business community in Glasgow and beyond, renowned for his wisdom and acumen.
Find the resolve and courage to handle everything that’s thrown at you – whilst making sure those you love most are cherished and well looked after.
After a long and happy journey, and shortly after celebrating fifty years of marriage, Pat passed away after a battle with Alzheimer’s Disease at the age of 74. Following the loss of his wife, Ian established the Murgitroyd Foundation in 2019 and sold his highly successful business. He then went on to start a number of other initiatives, including a forestry business.
Sadly in February 2021, only 17 months after the loss of Pat, Ian passed away unexpectedly following a short illness. The family, wishing to grow and continue the Foundation that was just in its early stages, committed to formally launch the Murgitroyd Foundation in 2021.
Grants will be awarded twice annually to charitable organisations working in the four philanthropic areas of Healthcare, Arts and Culture, Education, and Food & Housing Insecurity.
To keep up-to-date with the growth of our Foundation and the organisations we have supported, visit our Updates page here.
