A new charity superstore which has opened its doors with the help of a BBC personality raised more than £8,000 in its first weekend of trading.
Teesside Hospice’s latest retail venture on Portrack Lane, Stockton, held a VIP opening event on Friday, April 24, with a special appearance by BBC charity shop expert Jen Graham, before officially opening its doors on Saturday (April 25).
Ms Graham, known online as Charity Shop Girl, recently appeared as an expert on the BBC show Shift The Thrift alongside Joanna Page.
She said: "I was honoured to be asked to cut the ribbon at the new Teesside Hospice Superstore.
"It’s an incredible shop—a rummager’s heaven.
"There is some beautiful stuff here and the prices are amazing.
"It’s the best men’s section I’ve ever seen.
"Teesside Hospice do such incredible work, providing care and support to local families during some of the hardest times in their lives, and to play even the smallest part in helping raise awareness for that is something I’m so proud of.
"You know that you’re supporting an incredible charity while you’re shopping here.
"I’ve always said charity shops are so much more than shops.
"They’re community, sustainability, stories, and in cases like this, they help fund vital care and support for local families when they need it most.
"I may have come for the charity shop, but I left with a full heart, beautiful memories, and some lovely new friends."
The store’s first weekend of trading raised more than £8,000 to support hospice services, which provide end-of-life care across Teesside.
The superstore stocks a wide range of pre-loved fashion, furniture, homeware, and white goods, with funds raised going directly towards providing better end of life care and support for people on Teesside.
Teesside Hospice CEO Mike Thornicroft spoke about the importance of the new retail outlet.
Mr Thornicroft said: "Every day, our teams help patients and families make the most of every single moment, creating experiences and memories that last a lifetime.
"We meet people where they are, with humanity, humility, and compassion.
"But providing this level of care takes resources.
"It will cost £20,500 every single day this year to run Teesside Hospice and less than 30 per cent of that comes from statutory funding, meaning the rest—almost £5.5 million—we must raise ourselves.
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"That’s why our retail outlets matter and why this superstore is really important.
"Thank you for helping Teesside Hospice continue to be the heart of this community."
Anyone interested in donating goods or volunteering at the new superstore can call 01642 811060 or visit www.teessidehospice.org/shop/locator/portrack-lane-superstore for more information.
