THE Dr Jenner museum in Berkeley is facing closure due to the impact of the coronavirus lockdown on its finances.

Ordinarily the museum depends on entrance fees for 70 per cent of its income.

But with lockdown in place, its revenue has been slashed, while the costs to keep the museum operational remain the same.

Owen Gower, the museum’s manager, is now appealing for help.

Mr Gower believes that with scientists across the globe battling to develop a Covid-19 vaccine, Dr Jenner’s House and Museum is more relevant than ever.

“Edward Jenner and the story of the eradication of smallpox shows how we can work together to overcome even the most feared of diseases,” he said.

“Now more than ever, the world needs to know about Edward Jenner and his legacy, which is a story of humanity’s triumph over disease.

“But Covid19 threatens 70 per cent of our planned income and without it we may not survive.

“Jenner’s home is of vital importance to the history of the world and it would be a cruel irony if it were to permanently close as a result of coronavirus.”

Born in Berkeley in 1749, Edward Jenner spent his life making remarkable discoveries, the most important of which was a technique to protect people from the feared disease smallpox. He called this practice ‘vaccination’.

By 1979 smallpox had been eradicated worldwide, after a coordinated international campaign finally brought about the culmination of Jenner’s work.

But the story doesn’t end there. Inspired by Jenner, researchers continue to find vaccines to protect against other diseases and vaccination now saves between two and three million lives every year.

“We hope that we will soon be able to control the spread of coronavirus through vaccination,” said Mr Gower.

“And when this is all over, we want to still be here to tell that story. But each passing day that the museum remains closed without income puts our future at risk.”

A fundraising campaign has now been launched to help ensure the future of the museum.

“We very much hope that people will support our crowdfunder and help us weather this storm,” said Mr Gower.

Donations can be made via: crowdfunder.co.uk/drjennershouse