Above & Beyond are calling all amateur private investigators to help solve the mystery of Bequest No 3.
The mystery of Bequest No 3 came to light when earlier this year a collection of ledgers were found gathering dust at UHBristol Trust Headquarters. Not sure what to do with them, staff passed the ledgers over to Dr. Graham Rich, Chief Executive of University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust. On flicking through, Dr Rich discovered Bequest No 3, a legacy left by Nellie (Ellen) Davis in 1949. At the top of the page, in fading red ink were the words, “To be dealt with in 2008”
On investigation, it transpired, Mrs Davis had left a sum of money to be invested and used for the maintenance of her and her husband’s graves. However, the maximum term that this could be left in place was seventy-five years from the date her husband died in 1933. In her will, Mrs Davis specified that once the term had come to an end all monies should go to the Bristol Royal Infirmary. Unfortunately, this hasn’t happened and that’s where the trail goes cold.
“This is a fascinating case and one I will be interested to see being resolved. We are always extremely grateful to those who leave a legacy to ensure Bristol remains at the forefront of innovation in patient care and treatment,” said Dr Rich.
So that Mrs Davis wishes can be granted, staff at UHBristol’s charity, Above & Beyond have attempted to find out what happened to the legacy, but have come to a frustrating dead end
Sarah Talbot-Williams, Director of Above & Beyond said,
"Mrs. Davis was one of our first legato’s and one of the first people to realise the power of leaving money in her will to make a real difference for the future. Legacy income ensures we have the resources to make a real difference to patient care in Bristol. We very much hope that someone will be able to help us locate the funds and ensure they are used in the way Mrs.Davis would have wished."
Above & Beyond are urging anyone who can help solve the mystery of Mrs.Davis and Bequest No 3 to contact them. Perhaps you work at the council or have a flair for family trees or uncovering mysteries. Contact Andrew Monk on 0117 927 7120.
