A MYSTERY benefactor has left a Swindon animal charity its largest-ever donation with a six-figure sum in her will - but nobody knows why.

More than a year after Helene Adele Lisbeth Klein’s death in Swindon, the RSPCA’s North Wiltshire branch has discovered it will receive a payout of £143,087 from her estate.

Now, branch manager Richard Clowes is appealing for anyone who knew Helene Klein to come forward and fill in the gaps for the charity, which wants to ensure this generous donor is honoured.

The legacy has enabled the charity to take a major step forward with its ambition to build an animal centre and veterinary clinic in the area.

Helene died at Florence House Care Home, in Wanborough, on February 2, 2014, aged 92, and Richard is keen to ensure her name is remembered long into RSPCA’s future.

“Sadly, no one at the RSPCA branch seems to have known Helene but we are all incredibly grateful that she knew about us and left this generous legacy in her will,” he said.

“Her legacy will provide a very significant start in kicking off our dream appeal and we would like to be able to acknowledge her contribution in some way, perhaps by eventually naming part of the animal centre after her.

“It would be great to have a Helene Klein cattery or dog block but in order to pay tribute to her properly we are keen to find out more about her.”

The charity is not aware of any pets left by Helene and cannot see any links with her over the years. They want to hear any reasons why she might have left such a sum behind.

“As far as we know, she did not leave any pets when she died, but perhaps she had friends or neighbours who could tell us more about her,” said Richard. “Was she a cat lover or a dog devotee or did she simply love all animals equally? Any information would be great.”

The branch was first made aware of the legacy about a month ago through the RSPCA’s national office, which administers such donations.

It is the largest legacy the branch has ever received and it thinks it will help make a massive difference to animal welfare in the area.

A lot of legacies come from people who have volunteered with charities or regularly attended events such as branch dog shows, so initial enquiries were directed to volunteers and staff.

The animal centre project is likely to cost in the region of £3m in order to buy a suitable site and build a purpose-built complex to look after cats, dogs and small animals.

Anyone who knew the Helene can contact Richard Clowes at the RSPCA North Wiltshire branch on 01793 640 136, or email admin.northwilts@btconnect.com.