Cambridgeshire based auctioneers Cheffins is to give £200,000 to good causes to mark its 200th anniversary.

At least half the money raised will go to support the planned Cambridge Children’s Hospital, through Addenbrook’s Charitable Trust.

The money will be used to provide a dedicated playroom for children in treatment, in line with the firm’s support for youth people’s mental health.

The remaining money will be donated to other charities nationwide.

“We are thrilled to announce that we are aiming to give this significant amount of money for such an important cause and will be hosting a series of wonderful fundraising events throughout the year, while also match funding all of the charitable efforts of our staff,” said Cheffins chair Bill King.

“We are now looking to build a strong foundation for the future of Cheffins as well as the next generations of the people of Cambridgeshire and the surrounding area.

“We are celebrating with purpose and are proving our commitment to the community with our charitable efforts this year.”

Cambridge Children’s Hospital is set to be completed by 2029 for the East of England region’s 1.5m children. It will also feature a research unit and combine physical and mental health services.

Cheffins’ support for “the mental health of young people in our region, and this new hospital’s goal of integrating physical and mental health together, in one hospital for the first time, makes this a fantastic partnership,” said Addenbrook’s Charitable Trust chief executive Shelly Thake.

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