A bright new outlook as Whitworth Hospice shop opens after refurbishment

Sarah Ford, Mayor of Whitworth, Councillor Madeline De Souza and Julie Halliwell

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The reopening of Springhill Hospice’s Whitworth shop on Market Street was eagerly awaited by customers this week, keen to see the new and improved facilities.

The official ribbon cutting ceremony was performed by the Mayor of Whitworth, Councillor Madeline De Souza, witnessed by Springhill Hospice’s Chief Executive, Julie Halliwell and Income Services Manager, Sarah Ford.

Declaring the shop open, Councillor De Souza paid tribute to the work of the four hundred and more volunteers who support the work of the Hospice.

Mayor of Whitworth, Councillor Madeline De Souza said: “They make such a valuable contribution and save the Hospice around half a million pounds a year.

“Shops such as the one here in Whitworth could not stay open without them and we really must applaud and congratulate the work they do in helping to support the wonderful service that Springhill Hospice provides.”

Customers were welcomed to a Bucks Fizz reception to celebrate the reopening of the shop which had closed for two weeks while the work took place. The bright new fascia and complete refitting of the shop inside, with new lighting, carpet, display areas and changing facilities, was declared a huge success with one regular shopper admitting to ‘withdrawal symptoms’ from its closure.

Sarah Ford from Springhill Hospice said: “We have been able to greatly improve the look and feel of the shop itself to create a much more pleasant shopping experience for our customers.

“Significant works have also been carried out to modernise the building itself, replacing the stairs, improving access to the upstairs storage areas and providing much needed welfare facilities for staff and volunteers.”

The Whitworth shop is open Monday to Friday 9.30am to 4.30pm and Saturday morning to 12.30pm and donations of clothes, bric a brac etc are welcomed.

For further information about becoming a volunteer or to arrange for larger donations, including furniture, to be collected ring Springhill Hospice Fundraising on 01706 641790.