TV antiques star Charles Hanson officially opens new Staffordshire charity shop
Television presenter and antiques expert Charles Hanson has cut the ribbon to officially open a new charity shop in Staffordshire.
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The auctioneer, who is a familiar face to fans of programmes including Bargain Hunt, attended the grand opening of the Katharine House Hospice store in Rugeley on Tuesday (April 15).
He was joined by hundreds of customers who flocked to the new shop to grab a bargain and drop off donations.
Stafford-based Katharine House Hospice offers free specialist care for people living with incurable illnesses and their families.
Mr Hanson said: “It was a privilege to be a part of the opening of Katharine House Hospice in Rugeley and we made a memory today.
“Life can be a journey for so many, we never know what is around the corner, and to help give energy and warmth to such a wonderful cause and charity, to help celebrate life but also support people during extremely testing times, was a real joy.
“Katharine House Hospice steps in not just for patients but for families too and it was a thrill to meet such wonderful people across a community.”
The new store in Brook Square sells everything from furniture and electrical items to homeware, clothes and accessories.
Shop manager George Bradley thanked everyone for their "amazing support" on opening day.
He said: “The people of Rugeley have greeted our charity with open arms.
“Even before we were fully open people were dropping off donations, asking about opportunities to volunteer in our shop, and just popping in to chat and share memories of how our care has helped them and their loved ones.
“It was a fantastic turnout with lots of people coming throughout the day, live music and a flood of donations."
It costs Katharine House Hospice almost £4 million a year to provide compassionate care for families living with incurable illnesses. Last year, its retail operation contributed £1.6m towards this.
David Fletcher, director of care at the charity added: “Without the income generated by our retail operation we wouldn’t be able to provide our specialist care.
“Our shops are vital to protect the future of our charity and we have high hopes for this new store in a town that for more than 30 years has been home to many of our patients, their families and carers.”
