MAGNIFICENT SEVEN HELPS CHARITY

SHOP CELEBRATE SILVER JUBILEE

Volunteers with a combined 175 years service celebrated as the shop they have all worked at since it opened marked its 25th anniversary. 

The St Peter’s Hospice shop in Kingswood opened in 1986 and seven of the original volunteers still provide support to the charity. Part of a 46-strong chain, the shop helps raise funds towards the £6.5 million needed each year to run the hospice and its services.

The magnificent seven includes Jean and Ron Fox, Sheila Williamson, June Sheppard, Brenda Rose, Gwen Cullimore and Janette Davies.

The group all live in and around the Kingwood area and have been instrumental in making sure the shop, which is located on Regent Street, provides a constant stream of revenue for the hospice which looks after 2,200 people with incurable illnesses.

Since opening the shop has amassed a staggering £500,000 for the hospice a feat which shop manager Amanda Sinclair is hoping the people of Kingswood will keep adding to by donating goods and popping in to pick up a bargain.

Amanda said: “We’ve all become close friends over the years and it’s great to think we’ve all helped out in some way or another for the hospice. It’s great to see that the shop has reached this amazing milestone.

“The hospice provides such a wonderful service for the people of Bristol and I’m sure most of those who live in the city knows a family or someone who has benefitted from its help.”

Andrew Hufford, commercial director at St Peter’s Hospice said: “Our shops form a vital part of our fund raising efforts and Kingswood has been integral to the on-going work of the hospice.

“To reach the 25th anniversary is a great achievement and I’d like to thank all those who have helped over the years and in particular the magnificent seven.”

Andrew is also keen to encourage people who donate goods to the shop to sign up to the gift aid scheme.

He added: “Gift Aid is vital for St Peter’s Hospice. For those that do sign up means that for every pound spent on items donated to the shops, the hospice can claim an extra 25p back off the taxman.

“You just need to be a UK tax payer to qualify for the scheme and spare a few seconds to fill out a simple form to join. It’s as easy as that.

“You will be given a card carrying­ your unique ID number and the items you donate are then tagged with this number.”

For further information on the hospice please visit www.stpetershospice.org.uk

ENDS

Issued on behalf of St Peter’s Hospice by Empica. For further information contact Martin Powell (01275) 394400.