A charity superstore has opened its doors at a Darlington retail park and was officially unveiled by a cancer survivor.

Lucy Cornwell, 43, from Marton-In-Cleveland, was diagnosed with medulloblastoma, an aggressive type of brain tumour when she was just six years old.

The cancer survivor, who is celebrating her 20th year volunteering for charity, had the honour of performing the opening ceremony at Darlington’s first Cancer Research UK superstore, where a crowd of eager shoppers waited for the doors to open.

The Northern Echo: Outside the cancer research buildingOutside the cancer research building (Image: CANCER RESEARCH)

At the time of her diagnosis, in 1986, the only treatment option available to her was intensive radiotherapy at the then-South Cleveland Hospital, now The James Cook University Hospital.

Lucy was chosen to present a bouquet to Princess Diana at the opening of a chemotherapy unit at South Cleveland.

The Northern Echo: Inside the cancer research storeInside the cancer research store (Image: CANCER RESEARCH)

She said: “Because the research wasn’t as advanced then and due to the position of the tumour, at the bottom of the brain stem, radiotherapy was the only option for me. But thankfully since then cancer research has advanced and now children and adults facing cancer have many more options available to them.”

The Northern Echo: A look at the inside of the Cancer Research shopA look at the inside of the Cancer Research shop (Image: CANCER RESEARCH)
Lucy, who is a past recipient of the Event Volunteer of the Year award from Cancer Research UK in recognition of her outstanding contribution to the cause, was chosen as guest of honour to cut the ribbon at the charity’s brand new superstore on Darlington Retail Park on Thursday, March 7.

The Northern Echo: Lucy Cornwell opening the Darlington storeLucy Cornwell opening the Darlington store (Image: CANCER RESEARCHC)
The superstore is the charity’s 39th to open across the UK and at 7,620 sq ft is around three times the size of a normal Cancer Research UK shop.

The store sells everything from furniture to electrical items, clothing and soft furnishings, gifts and women’s, men’s and children’s wear- with all profits going to fund research.

The Northern Echo: Lucy during treatmentLucy during treatment (Image: CANCER RESEARCH)
Lucy, who is now a member of Tees Valley Relay for Life, a community fundraising event for Cancer Research UK, added: “I know how important research is and it’s great that this store is opening in our area to help fund research.”

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Shop manager Graham Barker, said: “We are incredibly grateful to Lucy for joining us to mark this special opening and thank her for her dedication and commitment to the charity. We hope Lucy’s inspiring story encourages people to support the charity so that we can continue to fund the very best scientists.

“We’re always looking for volunteers and donations of furniture, good-quality clothes, shoes, bags, books and homeware are welcome. All money raised is desperately needed to fund crucial research.”

The Darlington superstore will be open Monday to Saturday 9am until 6pm and Sunday 10am until 4pm.