MP Simon Lightwood unveils fifth city centre Wakefield Hospice shop

The WH Retail Kirkgate shop, found on 1 Kirkgate, opened its doors for the first time on Friday, January 27.

It is the fifth city centre store which the charity now operates, alongside their other shops located on Teall Street, The Springs, George Street and in The Ridings Shopping Centre.

The new shop stocks a range of ladies and menswear, accessories and gift ideas, as well as items from the charity’s new goods range.

Matt Berry, Area Retail Manager at Wakefield Hospice, said: “We are delighted to have expanded our retail network in Wakefield city centre with the opening of our brand new Kirkgate shop.

“We pride ourselves on providing quality stock across all of our stores, and nationwide trends have shown more and more people turning to charity shops for clothing due to the rise in recognition of the quality products on offer, as well as the affordability aspect particularly during these challenging times.

“We have had some great sales figures and feedback from valued customers over the first few days. We would like to say a massive thank you to everyone who has shown their support since opening.”

Wakefield MP Simon Lightwood was on hand to pay a visit on the opening day and was equally impressed and complimentary about the shops offering for the city centre, as was the feedback on the hospice’s social media channels.

Mr Lightwood said: "It was great to visit the new Wakefield Hospice charity shop.

“The Hospice has been there for many families across the Wakefield district, at some of their most difficult moments.

“It’s wonderful that the community has a chance to give back to them, alongside the chance to spot some excellent bargains.”

Wakefield Hospice rely on a dedicated team of volunteers to support the running of the WH Retail shops, and with the opening of their latest store, the hospice remain in desperate need for more voluntary help.

Helen Knowles, Director of Income Generation at the hospice, added: “Volunteers are at the very heart of all that we do here at Wakefield Hospice, and that very much includes the invaluable support volunteers provide across our retail network.

“With the opening of our Kirkgate store, we now have five city-centre shops, as well as shops in Horbury and Ossett, and a Dress Agency in Walton, all of which continually need more volunteers.

“The income raised through our shops plays a vital role in funding the highest quality care provided to patients and their families at Wakefield Hospice – whether you have a few hours or a couple of days a week to offer, if you are interested in volunteering with us we would love to hear from you.”

The Kirkgate shop is open Tuesday to Saturday, 9am-4:15pm. To enquire about volunteering, please call into the shop, ring the hospice on 01924 331400 or email [email protected].

If you would like to support Wakefield Hospice through the donation of preloved goods, please visit the Donation Warehouse, Tadman Street, Wakefield, WF1 5QU or visit www.wakefieldhospice.org for further information.