Forget Me Not Children's Hospice opens charity shop in Bury

The Mayor of Bury, Cllr Jane Black, cut the ribbon to officially open the Forget Me Not Children's Hospice shop in Princess Parade, Mill Gate Shopping Centre, last Friday.

On its opening day, the charity took more than £100 in just 20 minutes, thanks to supportive customers.

Vanessa Evans, Forget Me Not’s retail operations manager, said: "We have been blown away by the welcome we have received from the local community — from customers to volunteers, everyone at Mill Gate Shopping Centre, businesses and community groups.

"It means such a lot to us — especially since, being new to the area, we are perhaps an unfamiliar name in Bury. But people clearly recognise that it is a great cause — helping local children with life-shortening conditions and their families get the support they so desperately need."

Forget Me Not supports children and their families in Bury, Rochdale and Oldham. It has begun providing a hospice at home service from its base in Dumers Lane, Radcliffe, which will open its doors later this year.

Charity staff said they were overwhelmed by the support they have received from the community. Walmersley Carpets provided free carpet tiles for the new shop, while staff at the RSPCA charity shop next door provided cups of tea while Forget Me Not awaited the arrival of their kettle.

Ms Evans said: "Particular thanks goes to Marie Gribben and Kelly Townsend from Mill Gate Shopping Centre, Lilli Oliver who provided the most delicious cakes on the day, Walmersley Carpets and volunteers from the Bury Lions Club."

The charity has called on members of the public to donate their unwanted good quality clothes, toys and bric-a-brac to stock the shop.

Over the next two weeks, the charity is offering to collect any donations from customers for free using its collection van.

Forget Me Not has also asked for volunteers who are able to help to get in contact.

To arrange a van collection, call the shop on 0161 797 7196.