Hospice’s 25th shop opened by stalwart who has volunteered for 25 years
A long serving Hospice volunteer has officially opened our 25th shop.
Gladys Ward, who has supported the Hospice for 25 years, cut the ribbon at the shop in Market Hill, Wickham Market, on Wednesday 2nd October at 11am.
Mrs Ward, 87, of Little Bealings, near Woodbridge, started raising money for the local charity before it even opened in 1989 and now volunteers at the Hospice’s shop in Selkirk Road, Ipswich.
She said: “Twenty five years ago I supported the build of the Hospice as I knew it would be a local service used by local people. I can’t believe that was 25 years ago and now here I am opening the Hospice’s 25th shop. It’s such an honour to be asked to open it.
“Some of my friends and relatives have been cared for by the Hospice – including my mother – and I will continue to volunteer for as long as I can.”
Jason Rudderham, Retail Area Manager, said: “We have been overwhelmed by the support of the Wickham Market community. We have over 20 volunteers for the new shop following our appeal, which is incredible.
“We would also like to thank everyone who donated items. All the money raised from our shops helps us continue to provide local Hospice care free of charge to local people.”
If you would like to donate stock to the shop – such as second-hand clothes, books and bric-a-brac – please drop it off between 9.30am-4.30pm.
Another Hospice shop is due to open in Bramford Road, Ipswich, and we are appealing for volunteers to help at the shop, which is due to open at the end of October.
We are also urgently appealing for volunteer van drivers who can spare a few hours a week or month to collect and distribute stock between its Ipswich warehouse and shops in East Suffolk. A van will be provided but drivers must be able to get to the warehouse in Rapier Way, Ipswich.
