rare microscope

Halesworth Community Nursing Charity boost!

A campaign to raise vital funds to create an innovative support centre for people with life-limiting illnesses has received a boost thanks to the chance donation of a rare microscope which sparked an international bidding war.

The 19th century Zeiss Jena microscope, complete with its original walnut case, was donated to Halesworth Community Nursing Care Fund (HCNCF)’s charity shop, Dee’s Den, by a local resident.

Unsure of how much the antique was worth, volunteers working for the charity approached Halesworth auctioneer David Metherell for advice. The microscope prompted a bidding war between two German collectors after Metherell’s advertised it online, and eventually sold for £3,800.

The money will go towards an ongoing campaign to raise £714,000 to build an Information and Support Centre (ISC) to bring a wide range of holistic services closer to home for patients in north east Suffolk and south Norfolk. Earmarked for land next to Cutlers Hill Surgery in Halesworth, the centre will offer help understanding a diagnosis, counselling, bereavement support, financial and benefits advice, wig-fitting and complementary therapies such as acupuncture and massage.

Ted Edwards, ISC chairman, said: “For many years, our local community have shown fantastic support for our charity shop, Dee’s Den. The donation of this rare antique is another example of their wonderful generosity, for which we are incredible grateful.

“We expected the piece to raise around £100, so were left speechless when it finally sold for nearly £4,000. The money will be added to our running total for the ISC campaign which, thanks to the generosity of charitable trusts, local people and organisations, now stands at around £316,000.

“We would like to pass our thanks to everyone who has supported our campaign so far, and in particular to Dee and her team who run our shop, David Metherell who waived his commission for auctioning the microscope, and the lady who donated it in the first place. We would love to hear from her so that we can thank her in person.”

HCNCF is keen to hear from anyone else who can support the fundraising campaign. For more information, or to make a donation, visit www.halesworthhealth.org/information-and-support-centre

The person who donated the microscope is asked to contact Barbara Kell on 01986 785391.

Halesworth Community Nursing Charity boost

The Two photographs, one shows the microscope, while the second shows (L – R) Dr Richard Kell (chairman of HCNCF), Glenda Watson (a volunteer at Dee’s Den charity shop) and David Metherell (of Metherells Fine Art Auctioneers and Valuers) with the cheque.

Halesworth Community Nursing Care Fund

Halesworth Community Nursing Care Fund is a local charity (charity number 1155419) which was set up 25 years ago to support people with life-limiting illnesses who wish to die in the comfort and security of their own homes. 

www.halesworthhealth.org/nursing-care-fund

It works alongside the NHS and social services to provide extra equipment and 24 hour care in the last days of life along with emotional, physical and practical support at the time when people need it the most.

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