Marie Curie shop makeover to help more terminally ill people

The Marie Curie Shop in Penarth has re-opened on Friday having received a major style makeover. 

Staff and volunteers were joined by Marie Curie day therapy patient Lorrainne Castellano and community fundraiser Hannah Leckie to unveil the new-look shop which focusses on quality preloved items, including well-cared-for clothing, accessories and homeware.

 The charity is urging shoppers in Penarth to be among the first to visit and pick-up a stylish bargain in the process.

 Marie Curie hopes that the improvements to the shop and renewed focus on quality and style will help them raise more money to care for families in the local community who have been affected by terminal illness. 

The charity is also aiming to ensure that customers are informed about the services that Marie Curie offers and can keep up-to-date with fundraising campaigns and opportunities to get involved by volunteering. 

Money raised at the shop will help Marie Curie’s Nurses to care for more people in their own homes and ensure that the Marie Curie hospice in Penarth can continue to offer round-the-clock specialist care – twenty pounds spent in the shop will pay for an hour of expert care from a Marie Curie Nurse. 

The shop is also asking people to Swap Clutter for Care by having a clear out at home and donating their preloved items to the shop. 

The shop’s manager, Penny Attwood, said: “We’re delighted with our makeover, so now we’re encouraging people in Penarth to visit the shop and plan their own fashion and home makeovers! 

“Marie Curie has always been at the centre of the community in Penarth, so we want to the new-look shop to be a place where people can not only come to pick up a stylish bargain but also to connect with the charity and it’s people, and learn more about what we do to help local families in Penarth.” 

Jane Bartrum was presented with a bouquet to celebrate 15 years of volunteering at the shop for Marie Curie, while Pat Lannon – who volunteers at the shop aged 88 – was also given flowers to mark the occasion. 

Jane, 68, said she had continued to volunteer because she loved the interaction with the customers at the store, and the atmosphere and support from staff and fellow volunteers.

 Penny added: “We’re currently looking for volunteer cover managers to join such a happy team to help us with the relaunch and move forward with our new store.  No experience is required and full training will be given.” 

Lorrainne Castellano, day therapy patient at the Penarth hospice, said:  “The money raised from sales at the shop allows Marie Curie to reach more people with terminal illnesses. A small thing, like picking up a dress at one of their shops or donating items to be sold, really does contribute directly to the care that local families and people like me receive from nurses in the community and at the hospice. 

“I love the design of the shop and the some of the great pieces available to buy. I hope it does encourage more people to visit the store and be a part of Marie Curie and what the charity does.” 

• To find out more about volunteering positions, contact Penny Attwood at the store on 029 2070 6690

Photo by Peter Bolter