A south east London charity badly hit by the pandemic has been forced to auction a print donated by one of Britain’s most famous contemporary artists to raise funds.

Demelza Hospice Care for Children has again been forced to close its charity shops in West Wickham, Petts Wood and Eltham due to the third lockdown, putting its work supporting 750 children across the region in jeopardy.

World-renowned artist Damien Hirst, who rose to prominence the 1990s, gifted the ‘Diamond Dusted Mantra’ to the charity in 2016, which has been on display at Demelza’s hospice in Sittingbourne for nurses, healthcare assistants, support staff, volunteers and visiting families to enjoy.

It is hoped the sale will raise between £30,000 and £50,000 for Demelza, which provides vital care and emotional support to children with serious and terminal conditions. 

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Sarah Kemsley, Head of Philanthropy at Demelza, said: “Sadly 2020 was a particularly challenging year for the hundreds of children with serious or terminal conditions in our community, all relying on Demelza’s unique care and support.

“It was also very challenging for Demelza; our fundraising income has been severely impacted as we’ve had to cancel our events and close our shops because of the national restrictions.

“We’re so grateful to Damien for the opportunity to auction this beautiful piece of artwork. Money raised from the sale will go towards vital care and support for children with serious or terminal conditions and their families.”

The first lockdown saw Demelza close its 26 stores for over three months, while social distancing measures meant the charity had no choice but to cancel all of its fundraising events indefinitely. 

The charity was again forced to cease trading in November.

The ‘Diamond Dusted Mantra’ will be available for viewing at the specialist auction house, Phillips, in Berkeley Square London, from January 14 until the sale date, January 21.