Local Durham charity, St Cuthbert’s Hospice, has re-opened the doors of their well-loved Chester-le-Street shop after a temporary closure due to a leak in the premises. The charity took the opportunity to undertake a complete refurbishment of the high-street shop before the grand opening on Thursday 13th July.
Angela Lord, Retail Manager at St Cuthbert’s Hospice said: “We had a disappointing start to the year when we found out that our Chester-le-Street shop would be closed for longer than anticipated. We’ve had a great response from the community after announcing that we would be returning and we’re so grateful for everyone’s patience and understanding during the closure.”
“We’re back with a completely new look and have redesigned stock display areas to give customers a more enjoyable shopping experience with us. Now that we’re fully open to the public again, we can’t wait to welcome our customers back and to show it off!”
“We wouldn’t be able to do what we do without the generous donations from the public and our dedicated volunteers who donate their time to the cause. If anyone is thinking about supporting our shops, donating items and volunteering are both such important roles that allow us to keep our shops open. Please get in touch with us if you would like to support us in any of these ways. We’d really appreciate the help.”
Opening the Chester-le-Street shop was Heather Cook, Bereavement Support Team Counsellor, and John Metcalfe.
John’s wife Ann Metcalfe volunteered at the Chester le Street shop for over 20 years, joining the team when it first opened in 1997, but sadly passed away in April 2022 following pneumonia and a cancer diagnosis.
John has been waiting for the Chester-le-Street shop to reopen so that he can donate some of his wife’s clothing items back to the shop which made her so happy, so they can be loved, and worn, once again by new owners.
Amy McAllister, Chester le Street Shop Manager told us: “I’m so pleased John and Heather, were able to join us today to help us officially re-open the shop. Ann was a lovely lady with a wicked sense of humour.”
St Cuthbert’s Hospice Chester-le-Street Shop, located at the top end of the Front Street, is open Monday to Saturday 9.30am – 4pm. Donations can be dropped off at the shop during opening times.
Photo Caption: Staff and volunteers celebrating the reopening of St Cuthbert’s Hospice Chester-le-Street Shop
