The Christie charity has received a generous donation from Chafes Solicitors LLP after discovering a large sum of money lying dormant in the legal firm's possession.

The donation of £10,400 was given to the charity by Cheshire-based Chafes Solicitors following clearance from the Solicitor Regulatory Authority (SRA).

In 2007, Chafes merged with another firm and the amount came from the firm of a solicitor who died suddenly. Since then, practice manager Caroline Calverley has tirelessly investigated to establish whether the amount could be donated to charity. Caroline comments on her firm's donation:

"We explored every possible way of ensuring the money was given to the rightful owner, but our leads were exhausted and the money didn't belong to anyone. After asking the SRA for advice, we were finally given the green light to hand over the money to The Christie, providing no one came forward to claim it."

"The Christie has touched many of our colleagues' lives so it went without saying that we would choose it as a charity. We're really glad that the money will make such a major impact on Christie patients. We hope our donation will encourage other firms in a similar position to do the same and place it with a worthwhile cause."

John Bremend, legacy officer of The Christie charity, said:

"This donation is one of a kind and we are truly grateful that Caroline and her team pursued the option of donating the dormant funds to The Christie charity. We rely solely on the generous donations of our supporters and funds we receive directly impact our patients by developing our world-class cancer treatment, research and education."

"The decision by Chafes Solicitors has shown what potential there is with these sleeping funds."

Notes to editors:

• Chafes Solicitors has branches in Wilmslow, Alderley Edge and New Mills

Meet the news team