A HELENSBURGH charity shop’s funds have been boosted by more than £1,000 . . . thanks to an old book.
Caroline O’Brien, a staff member at the Cancer Research UK shop in Sinclair Street, found a rare first edition novel dating back to 1788 as she sorted through a bag of donations.
The Helensburgh Advertiser reported that she contacted a leading auction house, Bonhams, and the book — a Gothic romance called The Castle of Mowbray, written by Mrs M.Harley — was entered into a specialist sale. Bidding reached £1,300.
Bonhams initially gave it with a reserve price of £700 but they increased its value when they saw it.
Caroline, a member of staff for five years after initially volunteering, is one of two volunteers who examine books which have been donated.
Shop manager Linda Partridge said: “It was really exciting to receive a donation like this and it is great news for the charity that it managed to raise so much money — which will go towards improving the lives of cancer patients. We are really grateful for the donation.”
Who donated the valuable book is not known.
