Diana Livingstone Bruce Invests \$10.6 Million to Transform Late Husband Ray Harryhausen’s Home into Shelter for Homeless Orphans in….
*Heston, Middlesex — May 2025*
In an extraordinary act of generosity and compassion, Diana Livingstone Bruce, widow of legendary stop-motion animator Ray Harryhausen, has announced a \$10.6 million investment to transform their longtime family residence in Heston, Middlesex, into a state-of-the-art shelter for homeless orphans. This initiative, titled “The Harry House Project,” aims to provide not only housing but also educational and emotional support to some of the region’s most vulnerable children.
Ray Harryhausen, best known for pioneering visual effects in classic films such as *Jason and the Argonauts*, *Clash of the Titans*, and *The 7th Voyage of Sinbad*, spent over four decades in the home with Diana, surrounded by relics of cinematic history. Now, Diana is determined to carry forward Ray’s spirit of imagination and care, not through fantasy creatures, but through life-changing real-world impact.
### From Mythical Monsters to Meaningful Mission
“I thought long and hard about how to honor Ray’s legacy in a way that went beyond film festivals and museum exhibitions,” said Diana at a press conference outside the property on Tuesday. “We spent our happiest years here, and it felt right that this place should now bring joy and stability to children who have never had a home.”
The house, a sprawling Georgian-style estate on the outskirts of Heston, will undergo a major renovation beginning in early summer. Once completed, it will accommodate up to 35 children, ranging in age from infants to teenagers, who have been orphaned or left homeless due to neglect, abuse, or economic hardship.
### A Vision Rooted in Hope
The \$10.6 million investment, fully funded by Diana’s private trust, will cover structural renovations, modern amenities, staffing, therapy programs, and long-term maintenance. The home will be equipped with individual bedrooms, classrooms, therapy rooms, a library, and creative arts studios—honoring Harryhausen’s love for storytelling and the arts.
The facility will be run in partnership with Children First UK, a national nonprofit specializing in trauma-informed child care. They will oversee day-to-day operations, psychological services, and academic enrichment, ensuring the children receive the nurturing environment they deserve.
“We’re not just creating a shelter,” emphasized Diana. “We’re creating a sanctuary where children can heal, grow, and begin to dream again.”
### Support and Endorsement
The initiative has garnered widespread support from the community and prominent figures in British arts and cinema. Sir Kenneth Branagh, who has often cited Harryhausen as an influence, called the project “a fitting tribute to one of film’s greatest visionaries—turning fantasy into tangible hope.”
Local officials have also praised the development. Heston Borough Councillor Anita Chowdhury said, “This project could not come at a more crucial time. We are seeing rising numbers of children in need, and this will provide not just shelter, but a future.”
### Honoring a Legacy Beyond the Screen
Ray Harryhausen’s impact on cinema is undeniable. His innovative techniques inspired generations of filmmakers, from George Lucas to Peter Jackson. But for Diana, the most meaningful part of his legacy was his gentle heart.
“Ray was always drawn to underdogs in his films—heroes battling monsters, survivors seeking justice,” she recalled, her voice catching with emotion. “He believed in resilience, in triumph against odds. That’s what this home will stand for.”
The couple, who married in 1963 and remained together until Ray’s passing in 2013, lived quietly in Heston while Ray continued to develop his iconic models and sketches. Over the years, the house became a treasure trove of cinematic memorabilia. Some of the items will be loaned to museums, while others will be kept in a special “Harry Room” within the shelter, where children can learn about storytelling, animation, and creativity.
### A Model for the Future
Architects and social workers alike have described the Harry House Project as a potential blueprint for future philanthropic home conversions. By turning a private estate into a community-centered sanctuary, the project represents a fusion of heritage, charity, and sustainability.
Diana hopes this transformation will inspire others who are in a position to help. “We live in a world of immense inequality,” she noted. “But if more people used what they have to lift others up, especially children, the world would look very different.”
### Moving Forward
Construction is expected to be completed by late spring 2026, with the first group of children moving in shortly thereafter. A public dedication ceremony will be held on Ray Harryhausen’s birthday—June 29—as a symbolic gesture of continuity and compassion.
As the scaffolding goes up and contractors begin their work, the Harry House stands as more than a physical transformation. It represents a legacy reshaped—not in clay or wire, but in lives touched, guided, and ultimately, transformed.
In a world Ray Harryhausen once filled with mythical beasts and impossible adventures, his widow now begins a new chapter—one in which the real magic lies in giving children a place to call home.
