A hospice charity has opened a new store to help raise vital funds for specialist care.
Thames Hospice marked the occasion in Gerrards Cross with a ribbon-cutting ceremony at 10am on Friday, June 26, led by actress and television presenter Rosemarie Ford.
The move comes after a decade of trading on Packhorse Road, with the charity shop now relocated to the opposite side of the High Street into a larger space.
Shoppers and supporters gathered outside in anticipation, and the store quickly filled with visitors browsing preloved goods.
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Annie Campbell, interim director of retail at Thames Hospice, said: "We are delighted that so many familiar and new faces have joined in with the celebrations with us today.
"The new shop is substantially bigger, and our wonderful team of retail colleagues and volunteers have worked hard over the last few weeks to ensure the store is looking stunning and well-stocked for the opening and beyond.
"The Gerrards Cross community has been so supportive over the last ten years, and we are confident that we will continue to play a key role in local life for many years to come.
"The new store will allow us to have an even greater range of preloved fashion, homeware and selection of upcycled furniture."
Many who attended the opening echoed Ms Campbell’s enthusiasm, including volunteer Lorene from Gerrards Cross.
Lorene said: "I’ve been volunteering for Thames Hospice for four years, which has been an absolute privilege, and the support and friendship from the team make it such a special place to be.
"I’m so excited about this fabulous new store.
"It’s bright, welcoming and full of fantastic finds, whether you’re looking for furniture, homeware or a hidden gem.
"I hope lots of people will come in, explore the store and get involved."
The shop was officially opened by Rosemarie Ford and Shirley Nicolls, a healthcare assistant at Thames Hospice.
Thames Hospice has been serving the communities of East Berkshire and South Buckinghamshire for more than 35 years.
The charity provides specialist palliative and end-of-life care for people aged 16 and over with life-limiting conditions.
Its services are free of charge, but the organisation is not fully funded by the government.
It relies heavily on fundraising, donations, volunteering, and the income generated from its network of retail stores.
The Gerrards Cross store at 12b–12c Pilgrim House, Packhorse Road, is open Monday to Saturday from 9am to 5pm and Sundays from 10am to 4pm.
