The auction was held online by Spink on 8 April.
The auction raised £143,420 for three charities – Alzheimer’s Research UK, Pancreatic Cancer UK and YoungMinds. A total of 140 lots were auctioned, and the highest bid for a single note was £7,500 – the Turner £20 with serial number AA01 000010. The highest bid in the auction was £15,000 for a full uncut sheet of 45 £20 notes.
Sarah John, Chief Cashier, said: “I am delighted that the auction of Turner £20 notes raised over £143,000 for three fantastic charities. The Bank has a long history of charitable giving and that feels even more important in these unprecedented and challenging times.”
Our charity and community programme is a key part of our inclusion agenda and we encourage colleagues to support the causes that they care about. Alzheimer’s Research UK was nominated by a member of Notes Directorate staff and Pancreatic Cancer UK and YoungMinds are the Bank’s 2019/20 charities.
Alzheimer’s Research UK believes in the power of research to change the future. The charity’s mission is to bring about the first life-changing dementia treatment by 2025. Their vision is a world where people are free from the fear, harm and heartbreak of dementia. Alzheimer’s Research UK is the UK’s leading dementia research charity, dedicated to causes, diagnosis, prevention, treatment and cure. The charity funds a broad range of research projects to make breakthroughs possible for everyone affected by dementia.
Ian Wilson, Chief Executive of Alzheimer’s Research UK, said: “We’re delighted to have been selected as one of the charities to benefit from this unique event. We’re incredibly grateful to the Bank of England for their nomination and support. The funds raised will go a long way in supporting our dedicated dementia researchers, who are making breakthroughs possible for people living with dementia, their families and loved ones. Thank you.”
Pancreatic Cancer UK is the leading charity in the UK determined to change the future of this pancreatic cancer and be there for anyone affected. They do this by providing expert support and information, funding ground breaking research and campaigning for change. Pancreatic cancer is the deadliest common cancer with a prognosis that has barely changed since the 1970s and on average, 27 people are diagnosed every day in the UK
Diana Jupp, CEO of Pancreatic Cancer UK, said: “We’re so grateful to the Bank of England for the opportunity to be part of such a historic event. Pancreatic cancer does not stop during a global pandemic - thousands of people up and down the UK are facing this cruel disease and will be especially vulnerable at this time. The money raised from the auction will help us be here for people who need support from our specialist nurses today, and will help us continue the cutting-edge research needed to transform survival for the deadliest common cancer now and in the future.”
YoungMinds is the UK’s leading charity fighting for children and young people’s mental health. Turning real-life experiences into positive change, they are leading the fight for a future where all young minds are supported through life, whatever the challenges. YoungMinds is committed to breaking down the barriers to finding support, and making sure all children and young people have the resilience to overcome life’s difficulties.
Emma Thomas, Chief Executive of YoungMinds, said: “We’re thrilled to be one of the charities that Bank of England’s auction for the new £20 note is supporting. It’s fantastic to be a part of such a unique and significant milestone where the money raised is needed now more than ever in our fight for the mental health of children and young people across the UK.”