9. Brian Burnie
If you live in Newcastle, UK, you might have come across a fun-painted ambulance with “Daft as a Brush Patient Cancer Care” written on its side. It refers to the foundation Brian Burnie built out of inspiration from his wife who was a cancer patient herself. Ironically though, the couple has split up.
Burnie wants to make life easier for other cancer patients. One of his unique ways is by making their trip to hospital better on that bright ambulance. And even until today, he is still working and fighting for that cause despite the fact that he has been suffering from Parkinson’s.
Unlike most generous millionaires, Burnie does not want to wait until the day he dies to share his wealth. He wants to witness and see how his wealth makes others’ life better.
The former British grocer did not just give away his fortune. He also sold his luxury houses. The first one was a $26-million estate in Doxford Hall, Northumberland in 2010. And four years ago, he sold another one for $1 million. Today, he is living frugally yet happily.
