Martin House Children's Hospice Charity Shop in Acomb Celebrates 15th Anniversary on July 18th

This weekend, on the 18th of July, the Martin House Children's Hospice charity shop in Acomb will celebrate a remarkable milestone—its 15th anniversary. Since opening its doors in 2011, the shop has raised hundreds of thousands of pounds to support children and families throughout Yorkshire, making it a vital part of the local community.

Shop's Impact Over 15 Years

The Acomb shop has become a beloved fixture in the area, with thousands of donated items finding new homes and generating essential funds for the services provided by Martin House. These funds play a crucial role in supporting over 550 children and young people with life-shortening conditions, as well as their families, across West, North, and East Yorkshire. The charity also offers bereavement support to around 200 families each year.

Carol Atkinson, the shop manager who has been with the store since it first opened, expressed her pride in what the team has accomplished together:

"It's hard to believe it's been 15 years. We've built such a wonderful community around the shop, and I’m incredibly proud of everything we've achieved together. Every donation, every purchase, and every hour our volunteers give helps make a real difference to the children and families supported by Martin House."

Remarkable Donations and Support

One of the most memorable moments in the shop's history occurred about eight years ago when an anonymous donor pushed £2,000 through the shop's letterbox, accompanied by a simple note stating, "Hope this helps. I don’t want it." This generous act stands as a testament to the spirit of giving that the shop has fostered over the years.

The shop's success is also attributed to a dedicated team of volunteers. Currently, there are 12 volunteers, including Eileen, who joined for a short placement but has continued to support the shop ever since it opened. Carol noted, "We've been so lucky to have the support of the Acomb community over the years. Many of our volunteers have been with us since the shop first opened, and we have customers and donors who come back time and time again. We're like one big family, and we simply couldn't do what we do without them."

Funding Vital Services

The funds raised through the Martin House charity shops are instrumental in offering a variety of essential services at no cost to families. These services include:

• Planned respite stays

• Symptom management

• End-of-life care

• Bereavement support

Every year, Martin House relies on around £13 million to provide these services, with the majority of funding coming from voluntary donations and fundraising efforts. The charity shop in Acomb has played a significant role in helping to meet this financial need.

Celebration and Community Engagement

To mark the 15th anniversary, the Acomb shop will be offering special deals on Saturday, the 18th of July. This celebration serves as an opportunity not only to recognise the hard work of the staff and volunteers but also to thank the local community for their ongoing support. More details about the anniversary plans can be found on the shop's Facebook page.

Stephanie Rimmington, Head of Retail at Martin House, highlighted the importance of community involvement, stating,

"Our charity shops are at the heart of their local communities, and Acomb is a fantastic example of that. The incredible commitment of Carol, her team of volunteers, and the loyal support of local people has helped generate vital funds that enable Martin House to provide specialist care and support to hundreds of children and families across Yorkshire."

"We’d like to thank everyone who has supported the Acomb shop over the past 15 years. Every donation, purchase, and hour volunteered has helped make a difference, and we look forward to the shop continuing to thrive for many years to come."

How to Get Involved

Anyone interested in supporting the Acomb shop can do so by shopping, donating good quality pre-loved items, or volunteering. Every little bit helps in continuing the vital work that Martin House does for families in need.

For more information about Martin House and how to support the hospice, visit their official website. As the charity shop celebrates this significant anniversary, it stands as a shining example of community spirit and the difference that can be made when people come together for a common cause.