An ice axe signed by Sir Edmund Hillary was auctioned last night at a fundraiser for the Minds for Minds Trust which supports research into autism spectrum disorder.
The axe is one of a limited edition series produced in 2003 as part of the 50th anniversary of the conquest of Everest.
![Research scientists Dr Rosamund Hill, left, and Dr Jessie Jacobsen hold the Hillary Ice Axe. Photo / Jason Oxenham](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/resizer/v2/LDSSHYLATRH2E43ZGCIUYWJTT4.jpg?auth=be169c25e2e0b295dd68377474e06bda0bec8c64a7e3e9ccd7439e1fe91e9700&width=16&height=11&quality=70&smart=true)
A "chuffed" Sheelagh James, who bought the axe for $5000, said it was for her husband who had fallen in love with it.
The original ice axe used by Sir Ed is displayed at Auckland Museum.