Unattended bag holds pleasant surprise for GOSH 1

Fundraising | 2 Jan 2008

Staff at London hospitals are used to having to deal with the occasional security alert but the outcome of one such incident at Great Ormond Street Hospital was somewhat unexpected.

A security check was needed at the hospital last week after a man walked into the building and deposited a bag on the reception desk before walking straight back out again. After the bag was checked by security it was opened by staff who were surprised to find it was full of cash.

Great Ormond Street Hospital won’t confirm exactly how much was in the bag but have said it was a five-figure sum. Police are now checking the money to establish if it is linked to a crime. If it is, it will be confiscated. If not, Great Ormond Street can accept it.

“If the money has come from a bona fide source then it will be gratefully received,” said Stephen Cox, head of communications at the charity, who went on to say that they won’t be trying to find out who the mystery donor is. “The individual has made it clear that he didn’t want to be identified so we won’t be trying to track him down.”

Great Ormond Street Hospital is currently fundraising for a £321m capital appeal to renovate the children’s hospital. The Barclay Foundation recently pledged £11m towards the campaign.

Directory: Great Ormond Street Hospital

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Julie R Edwards
5 Feb 2008

Hope the funds are not linked to any crime so that Great Ormond Street can benefit, fantastic for them. I wouldn't mind getting a security alert like that in the porto cabin where I work to raise funds for our community church, great for Gt ormonds, hope the reception staff have recovered!

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