Cynthia Spencer Hospice given a boost with reopening of charity shop in Northampton

Cynthia Spencer Hospice's charity shop in Northampton town centre has reopened.

The charity's fundraising was hit by lockdown as it still needed to raise £3,000 a day but was severely restricted in how it could generate financial support.

Now, though, they have been given a boost with the reopening of their store in Market Walk.

A spokesperson for the charity said: "The Market Walk shop has reopened and we're glad to welcome customers back. People can shop in our great range of clothes, shoes, accessories, homeware and more! Drop-in from 10am to 4pm Thursday, Friday and Saturday and grab a bargain while doing your bit to help the hospice."

The fundraising team at Cynthia Spencer Hospice is still asking members of the local community, including individuals, businesses, schools and colleges to consider making a pledge to support the hospice when they are able to.

In recognition of the difficult times that local community members and businesses find themselves in the hospice charity is instead asking people to make a pledge of support that they can give when lockdown eases and things have improved.

Fundraising manager John Helm said: “We would never want members of our community to give what they can’t afford right now. So instead we’re asking people to make a pledge that when the time is right they will support us in whichever way they can.

"This could be by pledging to sign up for one of our 2021 challenges, shop at our eBay page, register to be a volunteer or join our lottery amongst many other pledges.

“We’ve made lots of suggestions on our website page www.cynthiaspencer.org.uk/pledge4cynthia for how local people and businesses can get involved at a time that suits them. For businesses this could be pledging to nominate the hospice as Charity of the Year for 2021 or maybe consider payroll giving to their staff.”

The hospice charity urges anyone who would like to make a pledge of support for some time in the future to let the fundraising team know by visiting www.cynthiaspencer.org.uk/pledge4cynthia where they will see lots of suggestions or by calling 01604 973340.

John concluded: “With our fundraising burden still standing at £3,000 per day just to keep the hospice services running as they are, the impact of coronavirus is felt very strongly by the whole team.

“Our community of supporters are the heart and soul of our charity and we’re really missing seeing them and hearing their memories of the hospice at our events and collections.

"Now though, we’re asking them to be there for us when they are able to so, together we can continue funding the hospice that has had so much positive impact on the lives of many people in Northamptonshire”