The court heard Raymond McClure changed his will twice in the last months of his life, with the final version leaving Dr Peter Alexakis 90% of his estate, a portion worth in excess of $30 million, The Guardian has reported.
Earlier versions of the will made the Salvation Army and a long-term business partner the main beneficiaries of McClure’s estate.
Legal secretary of the Salvation Army, Gary Masters, is challenging the validity of the will, claiming it was executed in suspicious circumstances.
He claims Dr Alexakis had “undue influence” over McClure.
In 2017, McClure was in hospital, but keen to get out. He had previously left hospital without being properly discharged.
Dr Alexakis denied he made a deal with McClure to help him leave hospital and in return be made a beneficiary of McClure’s estate.
Dr Alexakis denied evidence that McClure said he changed his will after speaking to Dr Alexakis, but the GP said he had never discussed changing the will with his former patient.
McClure suffered from diabetes, colorectal cancer, a bowel obstruction, prostate enlargement, cataracts and lymphedema.
“I did what I could for that man to keep him at home, so he could enjoy his life at home the best he could,” Dr Alexakis told the court.
Dr Alexakis became McClure’s GP in 2014, but ceased caring from him in October 2017.
McClure died in November 2017 at the age of 84. He had few family or friends.
Dr Alexakis says he did not know McClure had included him in his will, and claims he never discussed the value of his former patient’s estate.
However, Dr Alexakis revealed during the hearing that it was the second time he had been made beneficiary in a patient’s will, and both times lawyer Angelo Andresakis had helped the patients prepare the document.
Mr Andresakis also acted for the GP’s wife, who the court heard owns at least 17 properties, a five-star hotel and four properties in Greece.
Andresakis also prepared a will for Dr Alexakis’s father.
Other parties have also challenged the will.
The hearing continues.
I feel very sad when I read things about Dr Alexakis. My disabled adult son and I have been his patients for more than 25-yrs now.
I am just an average person who have encountered many difficulties dealing with my son’s complicated health care needs. I myself have range of health issues. I can not possibly find appropriate words to express my gratitude for Doctor Alexakis professional help for both my son and myself. He is been an honourable decent doctor for us.
I am not a wealthy person and I believe Dr Alexakis is a family man and man of high integrity.
My gut feelings tell me that somebody out there is being vindictive person towards Dr Alexakis.
Honestly I feel so thankful for Dr Alexakis services and help towards my son that I wish I could get him the biggest gift on this earth .. I have felt this way number of times since I know how supportive he has been to my family. That’s why I feel if Mr McClure has left his wealth for Dr Alexakis in his will it would be his own wish. He must have felt so thankful for Dr Alexakis as I know I have felt same many many time and if I have the capacity I would do the same. Me McClure’s wish should be honoured. I have imagined myself in Mr McClure’s position and I would be very deeply hurt if I see what Dr Alexakis has been put through just because someone decided to leave his wealth for Dr Alexakis.
I wish that justice prevails and Dr Alexakis does not give up the fight. I wish nothing happens to my doctor as both my son and I would be completely lost without his services. We need a caring doctor like Dr Alexakis please.
There are many calculating people out there who would try anything to dirty good peoples name . Please consider that there are so many patients who depend on Dr Alexakis consultation. We need to protect good doctors from such unnecessary ordeal.
Many Thanks
Kind Regards
Rattana Singh