Eddie Healey
Edwin Dyson Healey | |
|---|---|
| Born | 22 April 1938 Kingston upon Hull, England |
| Died | 21 August 2021 (aged 83) |
| Occupation(s) | Entrepreneur, Businessman |
| Known for | Founder of Status Discount DIY chain; developer of Meadowhall Shopping Centre |
Edwin Dyson Healey (22 April 1938 – 21 August 2021) was a prominent British billionaire entrepreneur.
Career
Born in Kingston upon Hull, Edwin and his brother Malcolm initially worked in their family's paint business before establishing the Status Discount DIY chain. This venture grew to encompass 63 outlets across northern England. In 1980, they sold the Status chain to MFI, where Edwin remained employed until 1982.
Healey transformed a neglected site in Sheffield into the Meadowhall Shopping Centre, which he later sold to British Land in 1999 for £1.17 billion, resulting in a profit of £420 million.
The Sunday Times Rich List of 2020 valued the combined wealth of Eddie and Malcolm Healey at approximately £2 billion.
Personal life
In 1966, Healey married Carol, and together they had five children. The family lived at Westella Hall in Kirk Ella, Yorkshire. Their son James pursued a career as a professional golfer, while another son, Mark Healey, is the proprietor of Blue Energy, a company specializing in wind and solar power.
Following Carol’s 50th birthday in 1995, their residence was targeted during a burglary in which jewellery and cash worth £250,000 were stolen.
To celebrate his 70th birthday at London's Dorchester Hotel, Healey spent £475,000 on entertainment that featured performances by Girls Aloud and comedians Russ Abbot and Bobby Davro.
Healey passed away on 21 August 2021 at the age of 83 after battling a prolonged illness.