Royal celebration at Abbots Cross Hospice shop

The shop, one of the Hospice’s 24 stores, is known for its wide range of quality clothing at bargain prices and has become one of the charity’s flagship stores.

Staff and volunteers thanked customers for their continued support and explained how good quality clothing and household goods are the lifeblood of the Hospice shop.

The shop volunteers, all members of the local community, highlighted how each bag donated is worth around £30, which once sold, provides one hour of hospice nursing care to a terminally ill patient.

Manager Siobhan Rocks said: “I would like to take this opportunity to thank the community for their kind donations and amazing generosity during our first year in Abbots Cross.

“We rely heavily on people donating their unwanted items which are then sold in order to provide hospice care to local families here in Newtownabbey and across Northern Ireland.

“The response to requests for stock donations has been colossal and the quality of goods superb. Our shop operates in a friendly environment with volunteers always on hand to help customers find the perfect bargain and I would like to invite anyone who has not yet visited our shop to call in and have a look about. You will be pleasantly surprised at what we have to offer.”

Not only is the shop filled with ‘must have’ items, but it has become the focal point for the community where friendly chats are always on offer.

Each year Northern Ireland Hospice depends on the generosity of the public to help meet the £5 million fundraising target which is needed to maintain its services.

The success of the shops is dependent on the support of stock donors, customers and volunteers from the local community.

Siobhan added: “Our volunteers have been brilliant from day one and are very much the heartbeat of the shop - we can’t thank them enough.

“If you are interested in enjoying the fun and friendship associated with being a member of our volunteer team, please pop in and have a chat or phone us on 028 9036 5142 to register your interest.”