Eli and I were delighted to be part of the team opening the new St John’s Hospice charity shop on Market Street in Lancaster.

The hospice is a local charity which provides free palliative care to patients with life shortening conditions. Their services cover a population area of 250,000 people in North Lancashire, South Lakes and parts of North Yorkshire. They have been caring for our community every minute of every day since 1986 and I for one would like to say a big thank you to all the staff who do such an amazing job.

The hospice now owns 10 charity shops in the Lancaster, Morecambe, Garstang and Kendal areas. Their shops not only provide vital income to the hospice, but also allow them to have a presence in the community. They are mainly staffed by fantastic volunteers who by giving up their time, ensure much needed income is directed back to the services that the hospice provides. They are always in need of good quality items to sell so please think of them the next time you are having a clear out!